Silicon (Si): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Silicon is element 14 on the periodic table, a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DSilicon quick facts
| Atomic number | 14 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Si |
| Atomic mass | 28.085 |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group and period | Group 14, period 3 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s² 3p² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 4 |
| Discovered | 1824, Berzelius |
What is silicon used for?
- Computer chips & transistors
- Solar panels
- Glass & ceramics
Interesting facts about silicon
- Silicon makes up 28% of Earth's crust. Second most abundant element
- A modern CPU contains billions of transistors made from silicon
- Silicon wafers used in chips are among the purest materials ever made
Silicon was discovered in 1824 by Berzelius in Sweden.
Where silicon sits on the periodic table
Silicon is in group 14, period 3. Tap any element to open its page.
Other metalloids
Silicon questions
What is the atomic number of silicon?
Silicon has atomic number 14, so every silicon atom has 14 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Si and its atomic mass is 28.085.
Is silicon a metal?
Silicon is a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. On the periodic table it is grouped as a metalloid, found in group 14, period 3.
What is the electron configuration of silicon?
The electron configuration of silicon is [Ne] 3s² 3p². Its electrons sit in 3 shells: 2, 8, 4.
What is silicon used for?
Silicon is used for computer chips & transistors, solar panels and glass & ceramics.
Who discovered silicon?
Silicon was discovered in 1824 by Berzelius in Sweden.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.