What is Silicon (Si)?

A semimetal element with an atomic number 14 and symbol Si. It is the eighth most widespread element in the world by mass and the second in the crust of Earth. However, it is rarely found in nature as a pure element. Usually, it occurs in the form of oxides. Most of the beach sand consists of silicon. Silicon has a face-centered cubic crystal structure. It has a wide range of industrial applications. Most commonly, it is used in semiconductor devices, in particular as a raw material for manufacturing of PV cells.

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