The density of silicon (Si) is 2.33 g/cm³, which is equivalent to 2330 kg/m³. This value represents the mass of silicon per unit volume. Several studies have confirmed this density, with slight variations depending on factors like crystal perfection and temperature.
Understanding Density
Density is a fundamental physical property defining how compact a substance is. It's calculated by dividing the mass of a substance by its volume. The SI unit for density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), but grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) is also commonly used.
Silicon Density Measurements
Various methods exist for measuring silicon density. One common technique is hydrostatic weighing, as demonstrated in research like the study "Precision Density Measurement of Silicon" found on PMC. This research involved measuring the density of numerous silicon single crystals, further solidifying the accepted value.
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Hydrostatic Weighing: This method involves measuring the weight difference of a silicon sample in air and in water to determine its volume and subsequently calculate its density. Different research papers utilizing this method, while showing slight variations, mostly corroborate the 2.33 g/cm³ figure.
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Variations in Density: Minor variations in reported density values may arise due to factors such as:
- Temperature: Density changes with temperature; higher temperatures usually lead to slightly lower density.
- Crystal structure: The purity and crystalline perfection of the silicon sample can also slightly influence the measured density.
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Practical Applications: Knowing the density of silicon is crucial in various applications, including:
- Semiconductor industry: Accurate density measurements are vital for controlling the size and dimensions of silicon wafers during manufacturing.
- Material science: Understanding the density is essential for designing and modeling silicon-based materials and devices.
Density of Silicon in Different Units
The density of silicon can be expressed in different units:
- 2.33 g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter)
- 2330 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter)
