Question

Given only the information from the periodic table entry shown below and the fact that the atom is neutral, choose all of the following that are true about a silicon atom.

a. It has 14 protons.
b. It has 14 electrons.
c. It has 14 neutrons.
d. Each atom weighs 28.09 g.

Answer 1

A silicon atom has 14 protons and 14 electrons, with the number of neutrons being unknown without the atomic mass. The statement regarding each atom weighing 28.09 g is incorrect as that is the weight of a mole of silicon atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the periodic table entry and the fact that the atom is neutral, several conclusions can be drawn about a silicon atom. First, the atomic number of silicon is 14, which means:

• a. It has 14 protons.
• b. It has 14 electrons.

The number of neutrons can be determined by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass (rounded to the nearest whole number). However, without knowing the exact atomic mass of silicon from this entry, it's not possible to confidently state the number of neutrons. Furthermore, statement d is incorrect because:

• Each atom weighing 28.09 g is not accurate since that's the atomic weight given for an entire mole of silicon atoms.