Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

Which advancement significantly impacted the electronics industry?

1. Silicon

2. Rubber

3. Wood

4. Plastic

The correct answer is: Silicon

The advancement of silicon has had a transformative effect on the electronics industry, primarily due to its semiconductor properties. Silicon is the foundational material used in the production of integrated circuits and computer chips, which are essential components of virtually all electronic devices today. The ability to manipulate silicon at the atomic level allowed for the miniaturization and increased functionality of electronics, leading to the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient devices. Silicon's abundance in nature, along with its favorable electrical properties, made it the ideal choice for semiconductor manufacturing. This advancement paved the way for the digital revolution, enabling innovations such as personal computers, smartphones, and advanced communication technologies. Consequently, silicon is often referred to as the backbone of modern electronics, significantly influencing the industry's growth and evolution.