Silicon (Si)
Silicon (Si, element 14) is a metalloid in group 14, period 3. Atomic mass 28.086, electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p², uses and facts.
About Silicon
Silicon is a metalloid with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 14, period 3 of the periodic table. Silicon was discovered in 1824 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius.
Silicon key facts
- Atomic number: 14
- Symbol: Si
- Atomic mass: 28.086 u
- Category: metalloid
- Group: 14
- Period: 3
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s² 3p²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.9
- Melting point: 1687 K (1413.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3538 K (3264.85 °C)
- Density: 2.329 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −4, −3, −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of silicon is [Ne] 3s² 3p². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Silicon has 4 valence electrons.
Uses of silicon
- Semiconductors
- Glass
- Solar cells
Did you know?
Silicon Valley is named after this element, it's the foundation of all modern electronics.
Other elements in group 14 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of silicon?
The atomic number of silicon is 14, which means every silicon atom has 14 protons.
What is the electron configuration of silicon?
The electron configuration of silicon is [Ne] 3s² 3p².
What group and period is silicon in?
Silicon is a metalloid in group 14, period 3.
What state is silicon at room temperature?
Silicon is a solid at room temperature.
What is silicon used for?
Silicon is used for semiconductors, glass, solar cells.