How to Obtain Silicon From Sand
Silicon is an element naturally found in silica -- present in stones, rocks and sand. Although it is found abundantly on Earth, silica must be combined with other elements to produce silicon -- which is used in construction materials such as brick, concrete and steel. However, its most popular use is in computer chips. Silicon is primarily manufactured for computer chips, but it's simple to obtain it through a science experiment that requires only basic chemistry supplies.
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Things You'll Need
- 5 millimeters silica sand
- 5 millimeters magnesium powder
- 100 milliliters hydrochloric acid
- 500 milliliters water
- 1-liter, heat-resistant beaker
- Test tube
- Bunsen burner
- Metal tongs
- Welding gloves
- Lab coat
- Goggles
Instructions
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1
Protect yourself with safety gear. Wear a lab coat, and shield your eyes with safety goggles. Pull your hair back and secure it, so it's out of your face. Put on welding gloves.
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2
Pour 500 milliliters of water into the 1-liter, heat-resistant beaker. Measure 100 milliliters of hydrochloric acid, and pour it into the beaker.
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3
Mix 5 millimeters of silica sand and 5 millimeters of magnesium powder in a test tube. Heat the test tube over a Bunsen burner until the dry mixture starts to glow an orange color, approximately 1 minute.
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4
Pour the contents of the test tube into the hydrochloric acid and water solution. The mixture of the ingredients will cause an explosion.
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5
Remove the silicon pieces from the bottom of the beaker with tongs. The silicon pieces, as well as the glass beaker, will be very hot.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Stand back as far as you can when mixing the silica and magnesium powder with the hydrochloric acid and water. Extend your arm out as far as you can when pouring, to avoid injury.
Don't look directly at the explosion. It can cause damage to the eyes.
References
Resources
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