The valence shell in a silicon atom has the letter designation of
The valence shell in a silicon atom has the letter designation of
Right Answer is:
M
SOLUTION
The valence shell in a silicon atom has the letter designation of M.
Detailed Explanation
⇒ Semiconductors are atoms that contain four valence electrons. Silicon (Si) belongs to group IV of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 14.
⇒ The silicon atom contains 14 electrons (2 + 8 + 4 = 14), which occupy the first three shells.
⇒ Two electrons occupy the first K shell, eight electrons occupy the second L shell, and four valence electrons occupy the third M shell.
⇒ Ten out of 14 electrons are tightly bound to the nucleus. The outermost shell is called the valence shell, and the electrons in the valence shell are called the valence electrons.
