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   enotechris Teacher
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   Arsenic is actually an element, and therefore isn't really "made." It's number 33 on the Periodic Table, and has the shorthand abbreviation of "As." Although it can be found in a pure state, it exists in nature linked with other atoms to form compounds.  Ores of Arsenic found in the Earth's crust are created when it combines with Iron (Fe) Sulfur (S) and Silver (Ag), and chemical processes exist to extract it in pure form. In manufacturing, it is added to Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge) to make transistors, and is also used to make light emitting diodes (LED's), but its most important use is in preserving wood.  In medicine, it can be both curative and poisonous, and has a colorful history of being the substance of choice for poisoners. See link for more info:

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   Posted by enotechris on Saturday November 7, 2009 at 9:12 AM