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Chem question: How many orbitals are occupied in a silicon atom?

Prav451

Reply 1

Kakemono

2 are filled and a third is half filled.

Reply 2

Prav451

Original post by Kakemono

2 are filled and a third is half filled.

Isn't that shells?

Reply 3

AftabGujral

Atomic Number 14, Si is in the 3rd period and in Group IV

The question is asking about ORBITALS. Remember, there is one s orbital at each level and three p orbitals in the second and third level

Reply 4

Prav451

Original post by AftabGujral

Atomic Number 14, Si is in the 3rd period and in Group IV

The question is asking about ORBITALS. Remember, there is one s orbital at each level and three p orbitals in the second and third level

So is that 7 orbitals?

Reply 5

AftabGujral

Each orbital can have 2 electrons, as you know. With the p orbitals, they fill up singly until all three have 1 electron in them. See attachment

silicon.jpg14.1KB

Reply 6

username1817907

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2 is the electron configuration of a silicon atom and so 5 orbitals are filled; first 4 are fully filled and the 3p orbital is partially filled.