Silicon
Atomic number 14 means that every Silicon nucleus contains 14 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Silicon.
Start with the nucleus
Atomic number 14 means that every Silicon nucleus contains 14 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Silicon.
Silicon (Si) is chemical element 14. It belongs to the metalloids, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.
In practice, it turns up most often in electronics, solar cells and special glasses.
See the atom
Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.
What this number means
Atomic number 14 means that every Silicon nucleus contains 14 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Silicon.