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Why did silicon replace germanium as the main transistor material?

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  1. Silicon conducts better than copper
  2. Silicon works at much higher temperatures
  3. Germanium is radioactive

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References

  1. Computer History Museum, 1954: Silicon Transistors Offer Superior Operating Characteristics www.computerhistory.org/siliconengine/silicon-transistors-offer-superior-operating-characteristics Checked 2026-10-10.

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