Question

Describe the hybridization and the bonding of a silicon atom in elemental silicon.

Short answer

A silicon atom in elemental silicon has \({\rm{s}}{{\rm{p}}^{\rm{3}}}\) hybridization. Each silicon atom can bond with other four atomsand it has a tetrahedral geometry.

Step-by-step solution

Hybridization

A new hybrid orbital forms when the atomic orbitals undergo mixing and this process is called hybridization. A hybridized orbital has different energies and shapes.

Determination of  the hybridization and bonding of silicon 

• Silicon is one of the most abundant elements on our planet.

This metalloid (silicon) has the atomic number 14and it has a tetrahedral configuration.This is because each silicon atom depicts an\({\bf{s}}{{\bf{p}}^{\bf{3}}}\)hybridization and results in the formation of single bonds between two siliconatoms. One siliconatom can bond with four other atoms in a tetrahedral form.

• Thus, the molecular structure of elemental silicon is as shown below.

Tetrahedral geometry