22.10+Other+Group+4A+Elements

__General Characteristics__ The Outer Shell configuration is ns2np2. These elements also have low electronegativities and +2 is the normal oxidation state. Unlike Carbon these elements are unable to have +4 oxidation states from electron loss due to their electronegativities being too high. These elements are Germanium, Tin, Lead and Silicon.

__Silicon__ Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen. Silicon is a semiconductor and is used in making transistors and solar cells. However, pure silicon is not found in the world and is obtained through the reduction of silicon dioxide. Silicon's bonding is dominated by Si-O bonds as they have a bond strength of 386 kJ/mol. Silicon forms silicates which is where a silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral fashion. In silicates the silicon has a +4 oxidation state. This silicate tetrahedral is the main "building block" to form large minerals. These silicate tetrahedra can be linked to form many different structures. These structures can be used to form chains, sheets or three-dimensional objects The bond between two silicate tetrahedra is that the two tetrahedra have a common oxygen atom. They can share multiple oxygen atoms with other silicate tetrahedra but only share one atom with another tetrahedra. The silicates do not share sides or faces. When the tetrahedra align three dimensionally they produce quartz.

When quartz is quickly melted and subsequently cooled rapidly, glass is produced. A second form of chain that silicon forms is a silicone. Silicone is produced by a chain of O-Si-O atoms and the remaining two bonds are taken by organic groups. These silicones have many uses as they form oils and rubber-like materials. It is used in bouncing balls and in spaceship parts, as well as having many other uses. Brown, Theodore L., and H. Eugene, LeMay. //Chemistry: The Central Science//. 11th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.

"Carbon Family - Humans, Body, Used, Water, Earth, Plants, Type, Chemical, Form, Energy, Gas, Animals, Oxygen, Cells, Parts, Effects,  Cause, Plant, Surface." // Science Clarified //. Web. 23 Mar. 2011. .

"The Elements: Carbon Family." // Chemistry Resources //. Web. 23 Mar. 2011. .

"Silicates - Angew. Mineralogie." // A-m.de //. Web. 23 Mar. 2011. .