Silicon (Si): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Silicon (Si): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p2 · group 14 · period 3 · Ar 28.085
Silicon data
- Atomic number
- 14
- Relative atomic mass
- 28.085
- Group
- 14
- Period
- 3
- Block
- p
- Category
- Metalloid
- Electron configuration
- [Ne] 3s2 3p2
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 4 (K L M)
- Valence electrons
- 4
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.9
- First ionisation energy
- 8.152 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 210 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 1414 °C
- Boiling point
- 3265 °C
- Density
- 2.3296 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +4, +2, −4
- Discovered
- 1854
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 4
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About silicon
Silicon, symbol Si, is element number 14 in the periodic table. It is a metalloid in group 14, period 3, p-block. Silicon was first discovered in 1854. Silicon is a solid at room temperature, melting at 1414 °C and boiling at 3265 °C.
Silicon electron configuration
The electron configuration of silicon is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2, or in short [Ne] 3s2 3p2. Its electrons occupy 3 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 4. Silicon has 4 valence electrons in the M shell (3s2 3p2), which is why it sits in group 14.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p2(14)
Uses of silicon
Well-known applications of silicon include semiconductor chips and solar cells, glass and cement (silica), silicone sealants, and silica gel for chromatography. For research and analysis you can browse silicon compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Silicon itself has low toxicity, but crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis after long-term inhalation. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 14
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of silicon?
The electron configuration of silicon (Si, atomic number 14) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2, or [Ne] 3s2 3p2 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 4.
How many valence electrons does silicon have?
Silicon has 4 valence electrons.
Which group and period is silicon in?
Silicon is in group 14, period 3, p-block.
What is the atomic mass of silicon?
The relative atomic mass of silicon is 28.085. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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