Question

The first step in drawing dot structures is to determine the number of valence electrons for each atom involved. How many valence electrons does Silicon have?

Options:
(A) 2
(B) 4
(C) 6
(D) 8

Answer 1

Silicon has four valence electrons, which is essential for drawing its Lewis electron dot diagram. In group 14 of the periodic table, valence electrons are used for bonding in compounds like SiF4.

Step-by-step explanation:

Silicon (Si) has four valence electrons. According to its position in the periodic table, Silicon belongs to group 14, which means it has four electrons in its outermost electron shell. These valence electrons are used for bonding when Silicon forms compounds. For instance, in the Lewis electron dot diagram of SiF4, Silicon would share these four valence electrons with four fluorine atoms, forming single bonds and resulting in a stable octet for each atom. Learning how to determine the number of valence electrons and drawing Lewis structures is a key concept in high school Chemistry that allows us to predict the bonding and shape of molecules.