What is silica? Please explain in simple terms.?

Question

I have found scientific meanings but i need a explanation that is pretty easy.

Answer 1

silica is basically sand. it is a oxide of silicon (SiO2) ie. silicon dioxide

Answer 2

Silica is SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide).In nature it exist as sand, quartz, cristobalite and tridymite, each with an alpha and beta form.It is colourless when in pure form, but traces of metal may colour it, giving gemstones such as amethyst (violet), rose quartz(pink), citrine(yellow) etc.It is a high melting solid.Glass is made from this silica.Silica is mostly unreactive but reacts with HF(Hydrogen Fluoride).

Silica gel is amorphous and very porous.Obtained from dehydration of silicic acid.It contains 4% of water.Used as drying agent and catalyst.

Kieselguhr is another form of SiO2.It is a white powdery substance.Used in filtration plant as abrasive and as an inert filler.

Answer 3

The chemical compound silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is the oxide of silicon, chemical formula SiO2.

It is found in nature in several forms, including quartz and opal. In fact, silica has 17 crystalline forms (see Nomenclature of Silica). Also, many forms of life include silica structures (Biogenic Silica), including microorganisms such as diatoms, plants such as horsetail, and animals such as hexactinellid sponges.

It is manufactured in several forms including glass (in colorless high purity form called fused silica), synthetic amorphous silica and silica gel (used e.g. as desiccants in brand new clothes and leather goods). Silica, with alumina, is a crucial ingredient in clay and allows for the development of an interlocking crystal matrix after firing in earthenware, stoneware and porcelain ceramic processes. Silica is a major ingredient of Portland cement. The ceramic re-entry heat protection tiles mounted on the bottom side of the Space Shuttles are made mostly of silica, as are the firebricks used in steel processing. It is the substance upon which silica aerogels are based.

The most common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal settings is silica, usually in the form of quartz because the considerable hardness of this mineral resists erosion. However, the composition of sand varies according to local rock sources and conditions.

Inhaling crystalline silica dust can lead to silicosis or cancer.

Variants found in high-pressure impacts are coesite and stishovite.

Silica is also used as a food additive, primarily as a flow agent in powdered foods, or to absorb water (see the ingredients list for Burger King). Silica is also naturally present in the cell walls of various plants (including edible ones) to strengthen their structural integrity.

The high chemical stability and electrical insulation of silicon dioxide are a major reason why silicon is the dominant material for semiconductor devices. It is used to separate the active regions of devices and to form insulating surfaces.

Answer 4

Silica is similar to mica if you know what that is .... if not

sand

Answer 5

well, it is a white, very light and fluffy powder that is used as a thickening agent in all sorts of things like coatings, toothpaste, and ketchup

when it goes up your nose, you can taste it. it's kind of gross.

Answer 6

sand