Silicon Planet
5/6/202633 min
Like a typecast actor who can’t escape the blockbuster franchise they’re known for, the element of silicon is inescapably associated with Silicon Valley. But that association undersells just how important, how foundational silicon is for human civilization. It’s another edition of “The Element of Surprise,” our occasional series about the hidden stories behind the periodic table’s most unassuming atoms, isotopes, and molecules. And this time, it’s all about silicon. From humankind’s early tools, to the quartz crystal hidden in your digital watch, we’ll cover how this underrated element has a lot more to offer than one California valley might suggest. Featuring Vince Beiser, Megan Brewster, and Rachel Maines. Produced by Taylor Quimby. For full credits and transcript, visit outsideinradio.org. SUPPORT Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In. Follow Outside/In on Instagram or join our private discussion group on Facebook. LINKS Still confused about the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone? We think this explanation is helpful. See the inside of a silicon wafer fab. It’s wild. Or watch this old video on how silicon wafers are made. Also wild. If you are very into watches, you might enjoy this detailed history of how the “Quartz Crisis” upended the Swiss watch industry. Want to learn more about the environmental impacts of sand mining? Check out this 2019 UNEP report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsNate Heggie· Host0:00
From NHPR, this is Outside In, a show where curiosity and the natural world collide. I'm your host, Nate Heggie, here with producer extraordinaire, Taylor Quimby.
Taylor Quimby0:09
All right, Nate, uh, I wanna play a little word association game, okay?
Nate Heggie· Host0:13
Okay.
Taylor Quimby0:14
I'm gonna name an element from the periodic table, and I want you to blurt out, like, the first word that comes to mind. Ready?
Nate Heggie· Host0:21
Yes.
Taylor Quimby0:22
Oxygen.
Nate Heggie· Host0:24
Uh, air, life.
Taylor Quimby0:26
Carbon.
Nate Heggie· Host0:27
Life again.
Taylor Quimby0:29
Silicon.
Nate Heggie· Host0:30
Bill Gates.
Taylor Quimby0:31
Bill Gates. [laughs] So you hear silicon, and you're thinking Silicon Valley. Am I right, Nate?
Nate Heggie· Host0:37
Yeah, exactly. Computers.
Speaker 20:39
I'm here in Silicon Valley this week. The top- The Silicon Valley Index comes out- These Silicon Valley guys do not, you know, a lot of times- Well, well, well, Nate Heggie, you fell right into my trap.
Nate Heggie· Host0:48
I did.
Taylor Quimby0:49
So yes, silicon is rightly associated with the tech industry because all the chips that power our phones and computers are indeed made of silicon.
Nate Heggie· Host0:58
Yes.
Taylor Quimby0:59
But here is my beef. These other elements, they get major league science cred. You know, y- you heard oxygen and carbon, and you were thinking big thoughts, chemistry, you know, Earth, the universe.
Rachel Maines· Guest1:11
Life, the universe, and everything.
Nate Heggie· Host1:14
Yeah.
Taylor Quimby1:16
Silicon gets so tied to Silicon Valley, it's like a talented actor that got cast in one big budget franchise and cannot escape the association.
Nate Heggie· Host1:28
It's the Tom Holland of, of elements.