• Question: what is selenium and how is it useful?

    Asked by reed619 to Indi, Jarv, John, Ken, Vicky on 12 Mar 2012. This question was also asked by prego.
    • Photo: Jarvist Moore Frost

      Jarvist Moore Frost answered on 12 Mar 2012:

      Selenium is one of those special elements that sits on the boundary between the Metals and the Non-Metals. As such we can mix it with other elements from near by and make interesting electronic devices. In particular, Selenium was used in the first ever solar cell back in the 1800s, when it was coated with an extremely thin layer of gold.

      Also, I think humans need some (but very little!) Selenium in their bodies. But only a very little, and it’s poisonous in greater quantities.

    • Photo: Vicky Young

      Vicky Young answered on 12 Mar 2012:

      Selenium is an element and is used for glass making and for colour in printing

      It was also used in electronics before it was replaced by silicone.

Comments