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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Silicon and Silica?

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The main difference between silicon and silica lies in their chemical composition and structure:

  • Silicon:
  • Silicon is a chemical element represented by the symbol "Si" and has an atomic number of 14.
  • It is a hard semiconductor and tetravalent metalloid with a brittle crystalline solid structure and a bluish-grey metallic luster.
  • Silicon is widely used in electronics and as a semiconductor.
  • Silica:
  • Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula SiO₂.
  • It is mainly found naturally in quartz and diverse living organisms.
  • Silica is one of the most abundant and complex families of materials, existing only as synthetic products and compounds of various minerals.
  • It is a functional filler in paints, plastics, and rubber, and silica sand is used in water filtration and agriculture.

In summary, silicon is a chemical element and a semiconductor, while silica is a chemical compound made of silicon and oxygen, commonly found in nature and used in various industrial applications.

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  • What is the Difference Between Silicon and Silica?
  • Comparative Table: Silicon vs Silica

    • Comparative Table: Silicon vs Silica

    Here is a table comparing the differences between silicon and silica:

    Property Silicon Silica
    Definition Silicon is a chemical element (the 14th element in the Periodic Table) and the second most common element on Earth. Silica is a compound made of silicon and oxygen atoms, also known as silicon dioxide (SiO2).
    Form Silicon is a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a silver/grey-bluish luster. Silica is available in both crystalline (e.g., quartz) and amorphous (non-crystalline) forms.
    Chemical Composition Silicon is a semi-metal with a strong affinity for oxygen, so it is almost always found as silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica and quartz. Silica is a mixture of silicon and oxygen.
    Uses Silicon is widely used in semiconductors, refining steel, casting aluminum, and the production of glass, concrete, and brick. Silica is used in ceramics, enamels, Portland cement, mortar, stucco, and pottery. It is also used in optics, including the production of glass for windows and lenses.
    Electrical Conductivity Silicon is a semiconductor capable of conducting electricity. Silica is not an electrical conductor.
    Melting Point Silicon has a melting point of around 1414°C. Silica's melting point is approximately 1713°C.

    In summary, silicon is a chemical element and semiconductor, while silica is a compound made of silicon and oxygen. They have different chemical compositions, physical properties, and uses.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.