What is the electron configuration for silicon?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The electron configuration for silicon (Si) is:
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p²
Explanation:
Silicon is element number 14 on the periodic table, meaning it has 14 electrons. The arrangement of electrons around the nucleus of an atom is described by its electron configuration, which follows the principle of filling atomic orbitals in a specific order based on energy levels.
- First Energy Level (n=1):
The first energy level can hold up to two electrons. These electrons will occupy the 1s orbital, which is the lowest energy orbital available. Hence, the first two electrons go into the 1s orbital, giving us 1s². - Second Energy Level (n=2):
The second energy level can hold up to eight electrons. First, the 2s orbital is filled with two electrons, 2s². Then, the remaining four electrons go into the 2p orbitals, filling them as 2p⁶. This gives a total of eight electrons in the second energy level, completing this shell. - Third Energy Level (n=3):
The third energy level can hold up to 18 electrons. Silicon has two electrons remaining, which will occupy the 3s and 3p orbitals. The 3s orbital receives two electrons (3s²), and the remaining two electrons go into the 3p orbitals (3p²). These two electrons are placed in different 3p orbitals, as per Hund’s rule, which states that electrons will occupy degenerate orbitals singly before pairing up.
Summary:
The electron configuration for silicon reflects the distribution of its 14 electrons across three energy levels. This configuration helps to explain many of silicon’s chemical properties, including its ability to form four covalent bonds, as the 3p orbital has two unpaired electrons available for bonding.
