Question

The element with atomic number $14$ is hard and forms acidic oxide and a covalent halide. To which of the following categories does the element belong?
A. Metal
B. Metalloid
C. Non-metal
D. Left-hand side element

Answer 1

Hint: The electronic configuration of silicon is 2, 8, 4. Since, the outermost shell contains only 4 electrons, it has the need of 4 more electrons to obtain its inert gas configuration. So in order to complete its octet the silicon forms a covalent bond. Covalent bonds are formed by sharing of electrons. Silicon atoms form covalent bond by sharing the valence electrons with the neighbouring atoms.

Complete step by step answer:
Silicon is the element whose atomic number is 14. It is represented by the symbol Si. Silicon is a metalloid. Metalloids are such elements which exhibit the property of both metals and nonmetals. Examples of metalloids are; silicon, boron, antimony, etc. Silicon is lustrous like metal whereas brittle like non-metal. Also the electrical conductivity of silicon lies in between the metals and non-metals. Due to this property silicon is used in electronic devices and computer chips etc.
Silicon forms an oxide which is acidic in nature. Silicon forms silicon dioxide also known as Silicon (4) oxide which is weakly acidic in nature. It reacts with strong bases. This is because the electronegativity of both the silicon and oxygen are almost similar which makes it difficult to form ionic bonds.
Silicon is the element which has a tendency to react with halogens by forming covalent bonds. So it forms silicon halides with general formula c where X is a halogen.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
Thus, silicon is the element with atomic number 14 which exhibits the properties of both metal and non-metal. So it is a metalloid. Silicon belongs to the carbon family which has 4 electrons in the outermost shell which makes it capable of forming covalent bonds. Also silicon forms an oxide known as silicon dioxide which is acidic in nature. Due to its tendency to form covalent bonds it is capable of forming covalent halides with general formula \[Si{X_4}\].