What do Germanium and Silicon have in common?

Question

I know that they are very common such as having 4 valence electrons but in 8th grade language could you explain to me what else they have in common?

Answer 1

They are both metalloids, commonly used in the semiconductor industry.

Answer 2

I hope that the Periodic Chart means something in 8th grade language. They are in the IV group with carbon. They are used in semiconductors as the previous respondant noted. Silicon does form long-chained molecules as does carbon (called silanes), but not to the extent as does carbon. It's widely used as a water scavanger (silica gel). It is extremely widespread (sand is SiO2-base).