Si
28.085Silicon
Silisyum
Silicon is a metalloid with atomic number 14 and is the second most abundant element in Earth’s crust by mass. It is essential in semiconductors, solar cells, glass, concrete, ceramics, silicones and silicon carbide.
14
28.085 g/mol
[Ne] 3s² 3p²
2 | 8 | 4
1.9
2.33 g/cm³
1413.8 °C
3264.8 °C
Jöns Jacob Berzelius
Silicon was isolated by Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1824. Its name comes from Latin words related to flint, reflecting its connection with silica-rich minerals.
Silicon-28
Natural abundance: About 92.2%. The most abundant stable isotope of silicon.Silicon-29
Natural abundance: About 4.7%. Stable isotope used in NMR and isotope studies.Silicon-30
Natural abundance: About 3.1%. Stable isotope of silicon.SiO₂
Silicon DioxideMajor component of sand, quartz and glass.SiC
Silicon CarbideVery hard material used in abrasives and high-temperature ceramics.SiH₄
SilaneUsed in semiconductor manufacturing and silicon deposition.SiCl₄
Silicon TetrachlorideUsed to produce high-purity silicon and silica materials.Na₂SiO₃
Sodium SilicateWater glass used in adhesives, fire-resistant coatings and silica chemistry.- Semiconductors, computer chips and solar cells using highly purified silicon
- Glass, concrete, cement and ceramics from silica-rich materials
- Silicones used as sealants, lubricants, rubbers and medical materials
- Aluminum-silicon and ferrosilicon alloys
- Silicon carbide abrasives and high-performance ceramics
Silicon is essential for some plants and is important in many natural silica structures. Its exact role in animals is less clear, although silicon is present in small amounts in the body.
- Silicon is the basis of modern microelectronics.
- Pure crystalline silicon has a blue-grey metallic sheen.
- Silicon Valley is named after semiconductor silicon, but silicon the element and silicone polymers are different materials.
- Crystalline silicon has a band gap of about 1.12 eV, which is important for solar cells and electronics.
- Silica minerals make up a large part of rocks, sand and many construction materials.
- Silicon has atomic number 14 and belongs to group 14.
- Its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s² 3p².
- Silicon is a metalloid and commonly forms four covalent bonds.
- Silicon dioxide is a covalent network solid and is attacked by hydrofluoric acid more readily than by most common acids.
What is the atomic number of silicon?
The atomic number of silicon is 14.
What is the electron configuration of silicon?
Silicon has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p².
Why is silicon important in electronics?
Silicon is a semiconductor, so purified and doped silicon can control electrical current in computer chips and solar cells.
What is the difference between silicon and silicone?
Silicon is the chemical element Si, while silicone is a family of silicon-oxygen polymers used in sealants, rubbers and medical materials.
What are the main allotropes of silicon?
Important silicon forms include crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon and silicene.
What is silicon used for?
Silicon is used in semiconductors, solar cells, glass, concrete, ceramics, silicones, alloys and silicon carbide.