Elements·Silicon
14
Si
Silicon
28.085

Silicon

Metalloid

Silicon is element 14, symbol Si. It sits in period 3, group 14, and weighs 28.085.

Part metal, part nonmetal — which is what makes semiconductors possible.

Atomic number
14
Atomic weight
28.085
Period
Period 3
Group
Group 14
Block
p block
Electron configuration
[Ne] 3s2 3p2
Outer-shell electrons
4
Neutrons
14

The periodic table

Rows are periods, columns are groups. Tap any square to open that element.

Others in the same group

Neighbours by number

How to read this

  • A row (period) is the number of electron shells. Elements in period 3 carry three of them.
  • A column (group) tells you how many electrons sit in the outer shell — which is why a group behaves alike.
  • Atomic weight runs at roughly twice the atomic number: about as many neutrons as protons.
  • The 28 lanthanides and actinides are drawn below the table. Slotting them in would stretch it to 32 columns.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are Silicon's number and symbol?

Element 14, symbol Si, atomic weight 28.085.

Q. Where does it sit in the table?

Period 3, group 14 — a metalloid.

Q. What is its electron configuration?

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2, or [Ne] 3s2 3p2 for short.

Q. How many neutrons does it have?

Rounding the atomic weight and subtracting the atomic number gives 14. The exact count depends on the isotope.