- #1
Entanglement
- 439
- 13
Why when phosphorus is added to silicon, phosphorus bind with only four silicon atoms and contributes with its extra electron, why doesn't just phosphorus bind with 5 silicon atoms since that is what it needs ?
Why Don't 5 Si Atoms Bind with Added Phosphorus?
In summary, when phosphorus is added to silicon, it only binds with four silicon atoms due to the structure of the silicon lattice. The fifth silicon atom does not have space to bond and there are no molecules present, so the bonds between silicon atoms cannot be considered as intermolecular bonds.
- #2
mfb
Mentor
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Look at the lattice structure of silicon: where would the 5th silicon atom be? Is there space for a 5th and how would that atom bond to other atoms?
- #3
Entanglement
- 439
- 13
That was I thought but I wasn't sure, thanks by the waymfb said:
- #4
Entanglement
- 439
- 13
One more question, Are the covalent bonds among the silicon atoms in a lattice considered as intermolecular bonds ?
- #5
mfb
Mentor
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There are no molecules in the lattice, I don't see why you would call bonds there "intermolecular bonds".
1. Why don't 5 Si atoms bind with added Phosphorus?
The reason 5 Si atoms do not bind with added Phosphorus is due to the difference in their electronic configurations. Si atoms have 4 valence electrons, while Phosphorus atoms have 5 valence electrons. This difference in electron count makes it difficult for them to form stable bonds.
2. Can 5 Si atoms bind with added Phosphorus in any way?
Yes, it is possible for 5 Si atoms to bind with added Phosphorus, but it requires the presence of a strong reducing agent or high energy conditions. Under normal circumstances, the electronic configurations of these atoms prevent them from forming stable bonds.
3. How does the size of the atoms affect their ability to bind?
The size of the atoms does play a role in their ability to bind. Si and P atoms are relatively similar in size, but the addition of an extra electron in Phosphorus makes the atom larger. This difference in size makes it challenging for them to form strong bonds with each other.
4. Are there any exceptions to the rule of 5 Si atoms not binding with added Phosphorus?
Yes, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in the crystal structure of Silicon Phosphide (SiP), 5 Si atoms are able to bind with added Phosphorus due to the specific arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice. However, this is a rare occurrence and not the norm.
5. How does the difference in electronegativity between Si and P affect their bonding?
The difference in electronegativity between Si and P also contributes to their difficulty in bonding. Si has a lower electronegativity than P, meaning it is less likely to attract and share electrons. This makes it challenging for them to form stable bonds, as they are not able to share electrons equally.
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