Si has an atomic number of 14. This means it has 4 electrons in its valence shell (the 3rd shell). How many other Si atoms does each Si atom bond with to form solid Si?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about silicon (Si) with atomic number 14 and its bonding in solid silicon. First, recall that silicon is in group 14 and has 4 valence electrons, so it tends to form four covalent bonds to satisfy its electron configuration. In the solid state, silicon adopts a diamond cubic structure, where each silicon atom sits at a lattice point and forms covalent bonds with four neighboring silicon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. This means the coordination number is 4, i.e., each atom is bonded to four others.

A common misconception is to imagine more or fewer bonds based on counting electrons alone without considering the solid-state structure. If one were to think in terms of isolated atoms, there might be confusion about valence electrons; however, in the crystalline solid, those four valence bonds connect to four neighboring atoms, creating the extended network that characterizes covalent solids like silicon.

Since the provided options are missing from the prompt, this analysis focuses on the core concept: each silicon atom forms four covalent bonds with four neighboring silicon atoms in the solid, reflecting its four valence electrons and the tetrahedral coordination typical of diamond-like lattices.

ENG1013 - MUM S1 2025 Competency Hurdle - Theory 8

Si has an atomic number of 14. This means it has 4 electrons in its valence shell (the 3rd shell). How many other Si atoms does each Si atom bond with to form solid Si?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

A non-polar covalent bond is best described as:

When two atoms share a pair of electrons, they

When two atoms share a pair of electrons, they

Which of the following statements best distinguishes a polar covalent bond from a nonpolar covalent bond?

Si has an atomic number of 14. This means it has 4 electrons in its valence shell (the 3rd shell). How many other Si atoms does each Si atom bond with to form solid Si?

At ordinary temperatures and atmospheric pressure, carbon can exist in a solid crystalline form known as diamond.Carbon atoms in diamond are held together mainly by

Nitrogen trichloride is a covalent compound

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler