What Does A Silicon Atom Look Like?

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How Many Protons Are In An Atom of Silicon?

Silicon has 14 protons in its nucleus.

The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus, and for silicon, the atomic number is 14. This is one of the fundamental identifying characteristics of silicon as an element.

These 14 protons, combined with 14 neutrons in the most common isotope (silicon-28), make up the nucleus, around which the 14 electrons orbit in the three shells shown in the animation (2 in the first shell, 8 in the second shell, and 4 in the third shell).

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Silicon (Si) Atomic Animation

Si

Silicon Atomic Properties

Basic Information

  • Atomic Number: 14
  • Atomic Mass: 28.085 u
  • Group: 14 (Carbon family)
  • Period: 3

Electronic Structure

  • Electron Configuration: [Ne] 3s² 3p²
  • First shell (K): 2 electrons
  • Second shell (L): 8 electrons
  • Third shell (M): 4 electrons

Physical Properties

  • Melting Point: 1414 °C (1687 K)
  • Boiling Point: 3265 °C (3538 K)
  • Density: 2.33 g/cm³
  • Crystal Structure: Diamond cubic

Key Applications

Semiconductor devices (microchips, transistors), solar cells, glass manufacturing, ceramics, optical fibers

Note: This is a simplified representation. In reality, electrons don't orbit in circles but exist as probability clouds (orbitals).