Atomic Number
14
Element 14
Silicon (Si)
Silicon is a chemical element with symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a hard and brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre, and is a tetravalent metalloid and semiconductor.
Atomic Mass
28.085 u
Category
Metalloid
Period
3
Group
Group 14: carbon group
Phase
solid
Density
2.33 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 4
Atomic Structure
Protons: 14. Electrons: 14. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p²
Why Silicon Matters
Silicon helps connect atomic number 14, metalloid behavior, period 3 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 28.085 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p² make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Silicon was discovered 1824 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius. Silicon is a chemical element with symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a hard and brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre, and is a tetravalent metalloid and semiconductor.
Safety and Handling Context
Silicon is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Silicon?
- Silicon has atomic number 14, which means a neutral atom has 14 protons and 14 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Silicon?
- The chemical symbol for Silicon is Si.
- What category is Silicon in?
- Silicon is classified as a metalloid and sits in period 3 of the periodic table.
Explore Silicon in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Silicon to neighboring elements without losing your place.