Question

Why is mica one of the most indispensable minerals used in the electric and electronic industries?

Answer 1

Hint: Mica is a shiny silicate mineral that has a layered composition, occurring in minute scales in granite and other rocks, or as crystals. It is also used as a thermal or electrical insulator. Mica is found in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc.

Complete answer: Mica is considered one of the most important minerals and is used in the electronic and electrical industries. Mica is malleable and these sheets are hydrophilic, flexible, light, resilient, reflective, and refractive. Mica can undergo electricity, light, moisture, and extreme temperatures and remain stable. It also has excellent dielectric strength. The maximum voltage that is needed to create a dielectric breakdown through the material is called dielectric strength. It is expressed as volts per unit thickness. Mica also has a low power loss factor. This means that whenever Mica is used as an insulator in any appliance, the resistance remains very high and there is no power loss in the process. Mica also has a high thermal resistance; therefore it is a brilliant industrial insulation material. It has high resistance to electricity, light and moisture, making it ideal for a range of applications across different sectors. Mica can also be used in windows, kerosene heaters, thermal insulation etc.

Note: While Mica is a prominently used mineral in the electric and electronic industry, it must not be forgotten that it has many other uses. In the field of painting, ground mica is used as a pigment extender and makes it easy to set up due to its low weight. Ground mica is also used in the excavation industry. The rubber industry uses ground mica as an additive and as fungal lubricant in the production of tires.