Silicon Dioxide Research Paper
THE STRUCTURE OF SILICON DIOXIDE
Silicon Dioxide is commonly found in our daily lives- but what exactly is it? Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), or Silica, is the most abundant compound of silicon found in the Earth’s crust, as well as a widely found oxide. Formed when silicon is exposed to the oxygen in the atmosphere, it is a giant covalent molecule with strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the adjacent non-metal oxygen and silicon atoms. Silicon Dioxide occurs in 13 different structural modifications, but the basic building block of these modifications is the SIO4 unit, where the atoms form a tetrahedral arrangement consisting of four oxygen atoms surrounding each central Si atom, resulting in a strong covalent bonded structure.
PHYSICAL …show more content…
Ranging from everyday applications to more industrial, heavy-duty uses, Silicon Dioxide is an extremely useful material. However, it often goes unnoticed, working behind the scenes to enable familiar objects such as electronic devices to function. Here are a few of its uses:
Silicon Dioxide is essential in making different types of varnish, from industrial coatings to even nail varnish. This is due to its hardness, which improves the durability and scratch resistance of the varnish. Its non-soluble nature also enables the varnish to provide a water-resistant outer layer, which is especially useful in protecting items from damage.
Silicon Dioxide has enabled the revolution of digital communication through its important role in creating optical fibres. As silicon dioxide has an extremely high melting point, it enables the optic fibres to withstand high temperatures before they are rendered useless, increasing its effectiveness in transmitting digital information.
Due to the poor electrical conductivity of silicon dioxide, it is hence a very good insulator, and this enables it to be used as an effective filler material in electronic circuits. Silicon dioxide is also prepared as chips which are then embedded in electronics, and its insulating nature enables it to regulate the electrical activity within the device. This prevents the device from experiencing electrical
Silicon Dioxide is commonly found in our daily lives- but what exactly is it? Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), or Silica, is the most abundant compound of silicon found in the Earth’s crust, as well as a widely found oxide. Formed when silicon is exposed to the oxygen in the atmosphere, it is a giant covalent molecule with strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the adjacent non-metal oxygen and silicon atoms. Silicon Dioxide occurs in 13 different structural modifications, but the basic building block of these modifications is the SIO4 unit, where the atoms form a tetrahedral arrangement consisting of four oxygen atoms surrounding each central Si atom, resulting in a strong covalent bonded structure.
PHYSICAL …show more content…
Ranging from everyday applications to more industrial, heavy-duty uses, Silicon Dioxide is an extremely useful material. However, it often goes unnoticed, working behind the scenes to enable familiar objects such as electronic devices to function. Here are a few of its uses:
Silicon Dioxide is essential in making different types of varnish, from industrial coatings to even nail varnish. This is due to its hardness, which improves the durability and scratch resistance of the varnish. Its non-soluble nature also enables the varnish to provide a water-resistant outer layer, which is especially useful in protecting items from damage.
Silicon Dioxide has enabled the revolution of digital communication through its important role in creating optical fibres. As silicon dioxide has an extremely high melting point, it enables the optic fibres to withstand high temperatures before they are rendered useless, increasing its effectiveness in transmitting digital information.
Due to the poor electrical conductivity of silicon dioxide, it is hence a very good insulator, and this enables it to be used as an effective filler material in electronic circuits. Silicon dioxide is also prepared as chips which are then embedded in electronics, and its insulating nature enables it to regulate the electrical activity within the device. This prevents the device from experiencing electrical