Silicon-28, with 14 protons, 14 neutrons, and 14 electrons, exemplifies the interplay of atomic structure, isotopes, and the periodic table in defining an element's unique chemical properties.
The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus. For silicon (Si) with an atomic number of 14, it has 14 protons. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Given a mass number of 28, subtracting the atomic number from the mass number gives the number of neutrons. Therefore, silicon-28 has 14 neutrons.
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. So, silicon-28 has 14 electrons. It's important to note that the chemical properties of an element are determined by its number of protons (atomic number), and thus, silicon, with 14 protons, is characteristic of its place on the periodic table.
The arrangement of electrons in its shells contributes to its chemical behavior, while the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus defines its isotope.
Complete question:
What are the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the silicon (Si) atom with an atomic number of 14 and a mass number of 28?