Most computer chips contain or are made of silicon. Why silicon? Why not copper or tellurium or some such?
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$\begingroup$ You should consider asking the exact same question on Physics.SE, a very different answer would come up. :) $\endgroup$– AronFeb 2, 2015 at 3:13
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Most electron components of computer chips and boards are semiconductor devices like transistors and diodes. Silicon is, from the Wikipedia article on semiconductor devices:
By far, silicon (Si) is the most widely used material in semiconductor devices. Its combination of low raw material cost, relatively simple processing, and a useful temperature range make it currently the best compromise among the various competing materials
Silicon is the second most common element in the earth's crust after oxygen, and present in a variety of silicate minerals.
Electronics grade silicon can be produced easily by molten salt electrolysis of these minerals followed by purification by zone refining.
Copper is a conductor, and therefor not suitable for semiconductor devices. Tellurium is one of the rarest elements in the earth's crust.
answered May 16, 2014 at 19:09