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Understanding the element
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.
Where do we encounter it?
In practice, it turns up most often in electronics, solar cells and special glasses.
electronicssolar cellsspecial glasses
Standard atomic weight[28.084, 28.086]
What its position in the table tells us
Silicon sits in period 3, group 14 and the P block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Silicon has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses
Silicon has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses