A silicon atom has 14 protons in its nucleus. The number of protons determines the atomic number of an element, and for silicon, this atomic number is 14. This means that silicon has 14 positively charged particles in its nucleus, which also defines the element’s position on the periodic table.
The presence of these 14 protons not only identifies silicon but also plays a crucial role in its chemical properties. Protons, along with neutrons, make up the nucleus of an atom, while the electrons orbit the nucleus, balancing the positive charge of the protons. This configuration contributes to silicon’s semiconductor properties, making it an essential element in electronics.