Periodic table / Silicon

Overview

Silicon is a chemical element with symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a tetravalent metalloid, more reactive than germanium, the metalloid directly below it in the table. Controversy about silicon's character dates to its discovery.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Silicon is [Ne] 3s2 3p2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 4.

Physical and chemical properties

Silicon is classified as a metalloid. It has an atomic mass of 28.085 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as crystalline, reflective with bluish-tinged faces.

Real-world uses of Silicon

Silicon is valued for its semiconducting properties and is used in electronics, alloys, and specialty chemical applications.

Interesting facts about Silicon

• Silicon has the atomic number 14 and chemical symbol Si.
• It belongs to period 3, group 14 of the periodic table.
• Silicon was discovered by Jöns Jacob Berzelius.

Explore Silicon interactively

Want to compare Silicon with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Si to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.