Silicon atom in 3D
Computer chips and minerals. Silicon is used in semiconductor devices and solar cells. Silicates are widespread in Earth’s crust. Explore the 3D model, inspect its parts and learn with guided explanations. Free on Atlas.
What you can learn
Computer chips and minerals. Silicon is used in semiconductor devices and solar cells. Silicates are widespread in Earth’s crust.
Identify silicon from its proton count.
Count the neutrons in Silicon-28.
Inspect the occupied electron shells.
Compare the valence shell with a neighbouring element.
Explain what changes when an electron is lost.
Silicon is an element; silica and silicone refer to different kinds of substances.
Try an investigation
Identify silicon from its proton count.
Check your understanding
What identifies an atom as silicon?
14 protons. Atomic number is proton count. Every silicon nucleus has 14 protons.
How many neutrons are in Silicon-28?
14. Neutrons = mass number − atomic number = 28 − 14 = 14. Mass number is not the average atomic weight of natural samples.
How many electrons are in a neutral silicon atom?
14. A neutral atom balances 14 positive protons with 14 negative electrons.
Which shell count describes neutral silicon in its ground state?
2, 8, 4. [Ne] 3s² 3p² gives 2, 8, 4 electrons across its occupied shells. Circular paths are only diagram guides.
If this atom loses one electron, what happens to its net charge?
It becomes +1. Losing one negative electron leaves one more proton than electrons. Its 14 protons still identify it as silicon.
What can this 3D shell model tell you reliably?
The particle counts for the selected neutral isotope. The counts represent a defined isotope and neutral atom. Particle sizes, spacing and circles are simplified teaching symbols.
Sources and model scope
An educational representation. The explorer identifies its data sources, scale choices and simplifications.