Eli5: Why is silicon such a prevalent element in electronics?

Question

I study engineering and when learning about all types of electronics, I always hear about silicon being used. What’s so special about it?

Additionally, I just read about a new particle accelerator which is the size of a penny, which also uses a silicon channel to accelerate the particle. What’s so special about silicon?

Thanks in advance

In: Physics

Answer 1

Most importantly silicon is a “semi-conductor.” This means, when properly engineered, it can selectively allow electricity to flow through it. This makes silicon semiconductors act kind like an on/off switch, which is the basis of modern programming and computing. There are other semiconductors available, but silicon is just about everywhere and thus quite inexpensive and accessible.