Silicon is a metalloid element commonly found in Earth's crust. It helps form many different compounds, which have a variety of different properties and applications. One type of silicon-containing minerals is asbestos. Asbestos is resistant to heat and electricity, leading to its widespread use in manufacturing and the construction industry. Asbestos insulates buildings and makes them fire resistant. However, despite its usefulness, exposure to asbestos fibers or dust carries serious health risks that can cause respiratory disease or cancer. Another silicon-containing compound is orthosilicic acid. Unlike asbestos, orthosilicic acid seems to benefit human health. This compound readily dissolves in water and is biologically stable enough to be used in the human body. Scientists have found evidence that orthosilicic acid plays an active role in the maintenance of strong bones. The information above shows that silicon has both beneficial and detrimental effects on the human body. Given this information, think about other examples of materials or substances that can be both beneficial and detrimental at the same time. Research and write about two examples. Be sure to provide evidence to support your point of view.

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
Silicon is a metalloid element commonly found in Earth's crust. It helps form many different compounds, which have a variety of different properties and applications. One type of silicon-containing minerals is asbestos. Asbestos is resistant to heat and electricity, leading to its widespread use in manufacturing and the construction industry. Asbestos insulates buildings and makes them fire resistant. However, despite its usefulness, exposure to asbestos fibers or dust carries serious health risks that can cause respiratory disease or cancer. Another silicon-containing compound is orthosilicic acid. Unlike asbestos, orthosilicic acid seems to benefit human health. This compound readily dissolves in water and is biologically stable enough to be used in the human body. Scientists have found evidence that orthosilicic acid plays an active role in the maintenance of strong bones. The information above shows that silicon has both beneficial and detrimental effects on the human body. Given this information, think about other examples of materials or substances that can be both beneficial and detrimental at the same time. Research and write about two examples. Be sure to provide evidence to support your point of view.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Theories of Bonding
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY