In: Physics
All life on earth is carbon-based. Some people have suggested using silicon in carbon’s place for life on other worlds. Do a little research on the web to find answers to the following questions.
8. What are the atomic masses of carbon and silicon, respectively?
9. Why is silicon a possible “replacement” for carbon?
10. What are the difficulties with silicon playing carbon’s part? [Hint: look at the stability of silicon]
11. Are there any other atoms that might be able to take the place of carbon? Explain your reasoning.