Which of the following statements is incorrect?

Options

A. Silica gel is used a drying agent
B. Silicon is extensively used as a semiconductor
C. `SiO_2` is an acidic oxide
D. Silicon exist in free state in nature

Answer

To determine which statement is incorrect, we will analyze each option provided:

1. **Statement A: Silica gel is used as a drying agent.**
- This statement is **correct**. Silica gel is a porous form of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is commonly used as a desiccant to absorb moisture.

2. **Statement B: Silicon is extensively used as a semiconductor.**
- This statement is **correct**. Silicon is widely used in the electronics industry for making semiconductors due to its excellent electrical properties.

3. **Statement C: Silicon oxide is an acidic oxide.**
- This statement is **correct**. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) behaves as an acidic oxide because it can react with bases to form silicates.

4. **Statement D: Silicon exists in free state in nature.**
- This statement is **incorrect**. Silicon does not exist in a free state in nature; it is always found in combination with other elements, typically as silicates or silicon dioxide.

Based on the analysis, the incorrect statement is:

**Answer: Silicon exists in free state in nature. (Incorrect Statement)**