How many valence electrons does silicon have?

Answer:

Silicon has four valence electrons.

Explanation:

To find out the number of valence electrons in a silicon atom,we need to look at the periodic table.

The position of silicon in the periodic table  is in group 4A.For main group elements,valence electrons are equal to the group number.So,silicon atom has four valence electrons in its valence shell.

Silicon is an element of group 14.Now just consider the unit place digit from group number.You are getting 4 which is equal to the number of valence electrons in silicon.

Here is the another way to find out the valence electrons of silicon.

The symbol of silicon is Si and the atomic number of silicon is 14.So, it has fourteen electrons totally.

Now do the electronic configuration of silicon.

Si(14) =1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2

             =[Ne] 3s2 3p2

The valence shell is the outermost shell and the electrons that are present in valence shell is called valence electrons.

The valence shell or energy level can be identified by the highest value of principal quantum number ,n.Here the highest value of n is 3.So,the valence shell is the 3rd shell.

In 3rd shell ,we get four valence electrons.So each silicon has four valence electrons.

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