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Monday, April 22, 2013

Silicon

Since my theme is all things scifi, I had to include silicon, a key element of computer chips (although in researching this I came across a possible replacement...).



But what exactly is silicon, you might ask? Well, let me explain... Silicon is a chemical element and according to Wiki, the eighth most common element in the universe (although since we haven't actually explored the entire universe quite yet, I wonder how anyone could prove that claim...) and the second most plentiful element in the earth's crust. However, it is purified silicon that is used in semiconductor electronics and integrated circuits, and in fact, modern technology depends upon it.

Do you think we'll find a replacement? 

20 comments:

  1. I love that silicon is "natural"!!! And jolly useful too! I'm so sure there's some fabulous scientist somewhere is totally doing just that - finding a replacement! LOL! take care
    x

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  2. At least there's enough of it for now.
    And the claim about the universe is far-fetched. Then again, it is Wikipedia.

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  3. Had no idea it was so much of earth's crust.

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  4. Never knew Silicon was a natural element.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  5. Never knew anything about silicon actually, but wow...that picture is gorgeous.

    A-Z

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  6. the picture is so beautiful I could stare at it for hours :)

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  7. That picture is mesmerizing. A silicon molecule I presume?

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  8. That silicon looks like a bouquet of flowers. And, yeah, I'm pretty sure technology will evolve so that we figure out some new element that will make silicon's qualities look quaint some day.

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  9. Beautiful picture - good thing we've got plenty of the stuff. What would happen to Silicon Valley otherwise LOL?

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  10. I'm sorry, all I can think about is the "Silicon Avatar" from Star Trek, the Crystalline Entity that played a significant role in Data's life.

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  11. I think nowadays anything is replaceable. #sadbuttrue

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  12. As long as there is natural silicon to be exploited, I doubt researchers will get the funds to research alternatives.

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  13. I think they'll probably come up with something to replace it...eventually.

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  14. Interesting. And even kinda purty up close. :)

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  15. I think science and technology are coming up with new things all the time. So a new element more cost efficient should be coming out in the near future.

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  16. I wonder if there's any reason to replace it since it's so common. That is funny when they say 'in the universe.' Sounds kind of arrogant when we just don't really know what's out there.

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  17. I always thought silicon was man-made. Doh!

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  18. What a great photo. I agree about the universe thing.

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  19. depends on from what planet we are extracting elements

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