Marterial Science (Chemistry Related) Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a material science problem related to a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) device, specifically calculating the number of silicon and oxygen atoms in a thin layer of silicon dioxide (SiO2) based on its density and thickness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss deriving the mass of the oxide layer from its density and thickness, and then using atomic weights to find the number of atoms. Questions arise about the specific formulas and steps used to arrive at the results.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the calculations involved in determining the number of atoms. Some participants have provided numerical results, while others seek clarification on the methods used to achieve those results. There is an ongoing exploration of the steps necessary to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention difficulties in finding relevant examples in textbooks and lecture notes, indicating a potential gap in understanding the application of concepts to this specific problem.

Double A
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Material Science (Chemistry Related) Problem

I am having a hard time starting my solution to the following problem:

In a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) device, a thin layer of [tex]SiO_2[/tex] (density = 2.20 [tex]Mg/m^3[/tex]) is grown on a single crystal chip of silicon. How many Si atoms and how many O atoms are present per square millimeter of the oxide layer? Assume that the layer thickness is 100 nm.

So far I have been looking throughout the textbook at some sample problems but the sample problems are not asking for a similar solution to this question. I have also referred to my lecture notes and have not gotten any where for quite some time. Mentally I thought that I could find the volume of the silicon oxide but I was incorrect in my mental calculations. Please help me get started.
 
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From the density and thickness, you can get the mass in a square millimeter of oxide. From there, you can get the number of Si and O atoms by knowing how much these atoms weigh.

Carl
 
Thanks I did arrive at a solution of 2.21x[tex]10^{15}[/tex] atoms of SI and 4.41x[tex]10^{15}[/tex] atoms of O.
 
But What formula did you use? I did not get the same answers
 
yes, some clarification to this post is needed. what steps do u take to get those answers?
 

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