Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes the two main ways in which atoms can satisfy the octet rule?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Octet Rule
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How many hydrogen atoms must bond to a silicon atom to give it an octet of valence electrons?
A
4
B
6
C
8
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that an octet refers to having 8 valence electrons around an atom, which is a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases.
Determine the number of valence electrons that a silicon atom naturally has. Silicon is in group 14 of the periodic table, so it has 4 valence electrons.
Since silicon has 4 valence electrons, calculate how many more electrons it needs to reach an octet (8 electrons total). This is done by subtracting silicon's valence electrons from 8: \$8 - 4 = 4$.
Each hydrogen atom can contribute 1 electron through bonding, so the number of hydrogen atoms needed to complete the octet is equal to the number of electrons silicon needs, which is 4.
Therefore, silicon must bond with 4 hydrogen atoms to complete its octet of valence electrons.
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