Chemistry of Computers

Hopewell Valley Student Podcasting NetworkChemistry ConnectionsChemistry of ComputersEpisode #11  Welcome to Chemistry Connections, my name is Alex and Tom and we are your hosts for episode 11 called The Chemistry of Computers. Today we will be discussing how chemistry is essential for the function of computers .Segment 1: Introduction to Chemistry of Laptops Computers are heavily present in our society today, they are used in almost all jobs, schools, etc. Our world relies on computers and computers rely on chemistry. There are several parts of the computer that are necessary for its function, first of which is the motherboard, this is like the nervous system of the computer and it allows all of the different components to communicate with each other. Central Processing unit or CPU, this is a silicon chip that acts as the brain of the computer, it processes all the data for the computer. These days most computers store information in a device called a Solid State Drive or SSD, this device holds all the information for the computer. Alongside these more behind the scenes aspects are the more well known parts of a computer such as the screen or battery.All of these components use electricity and generate heat, so in order to prevent the computer from getting too hot, they need to be cooled, most commonly by fans. Segment 2: The Chemistry Behind ComputersConductors and Semiconductors: There are several materials that are essential for the function of a computer, some of the materials include silicon, plastic, fiberglass, copper and gold, lithium These materials are sorted into three categories: Conductors, Semiconductors, and insulatorsConductors are what allow electricity to flow because electrons can transfer from particle to particle When electricity passes through a conductor it faces little resistance, allowing for uncontrolled free flowing current.  The insulator does not allow electrical current to travel through it since it has high resistance levels. Semiconductors are a combination of the two, where they allow for the flow of electricity to be controlled. This is done by providing a slightly resistant material.  Almost all computers this is through silicon chips, however pure silicon is typically an insulator. This is because pure silicon is constructed from atoms that contain 4 electrons in the orbital furthest from the atom’s nucleus. Due to this atomic structure, the silicon atoms covalently bond together...