Question

each atom in a silicon crystal has
select one:
o a. four valence electrons
o b. no valence electrons because all are shared with other atoms
o c. eight valence electrons, four of its own and four shared
o d. four conduction electrons

Explanation:

Silicon is in group 14 of the periodic table. Elements in this group have 4 valence electrons. In a silicon crystal, each silicon atom forms covalent bonds with four neighboring silicon atoms. But the atom itself still has 4 valence electrons (it shares these electrons in bonding). Option B is incorrect as it has valence electrons. Option C is wrong because it doesn't have 8 valence electrons (the shared electrons are part of bonding but the atom's own valence count is 4). Option D is incorrect as the question is about valence electrons, not conduction electrons (conduction electrons are a different concept related to electrical conduction in a material, which is not what the question is asking).

Answer:

A. four valence electrons