Which element of the carbon family is used in the production of semiconductors?
Carbon
Silicon
Germanium
Tin
Silicon is a metalloid, meaning it has properties of both metals and non-metals. This makes it an ideal material for use in semiconductors, as it can conduct electricity like a metal but also has some properties of a non-metal, such as its ability to form covalent bonds. Silicon's high melting point, thermal stability, and resistance to oxidation make it an ideal material for use in the high-temperature processes involved in semiconductor production. Its abundance and availability also make it a cost-effective choice for use in large-scale semiconductor manufacturing.