How many valence electrons does silicon (Si) have?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 8
• D. 6

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is silicon (Si).
2. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
3. Determine the electron configuration of silicon. Silicon has an atomic number of 14, so its electrons are arranged as: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^2$.
4. Focus on the electrons in the highest energy level, which is the third shell (3s and 3p orbitals).
5. Count the electrons in the 3s and 3p orbitals: \$3s^2\( means 2 electrons, and \)3p^2$ means 2 electrons, so total valence electrons = 2 + 2 = 4.