Question

A student is studying asbestos, a mineral that causes cancer in humans. One of the components of asbestos is silicon, a somewhat reactive element, that is the second most abundant element found in the Earth’s crust. Which characteristic of silicon is most closely related to its chemical reactivity?

Answer 1

Answer:

The characteristic of silicon that is most closely related to its chemical reactivity is that;

It is found in nature in mainly as oxides and silicates

Explanation:

Silicon, which is a member of group 14 of the periodic table has the electron configuration of [Ne]3s²3p² and has a high affinity for oxygen such that the the oxides are known as silicates and it is almost impossible to find pure silicon in nature and it is found in the universe as silica and silicates

Silicate minerals make up over 90% of the Earth's crust such that, by mass silicon is only surpassed by oxygen as the most abundant element found in the Earth's crust.