Consider the elements carbon, C and silicon, Si. How many electrons does each atom have?

How many valence electrons does each atom have?

How many core electrons does each atom have?

Why are the chemical properties of carbon and silicon similar?

and

Explanation:

All the carbon group atoms, having four valence electrons, form covalent bonds with nonmetal atoms; carbon and silicon cannot lose or gain electrons to form free ions, whereas germanium, tin, and lead do form metallic ions but only with two positive charges

the similarities is that Both carbon and silicon commonly form compounds, easily sharing electrons with other elements. Carbon will make multiple bonds with other carbon molecules by forming single, double and triple covalent bonds. ... Carbon and silicon are often combined, with carbon serving as silicon's backbone.

it can be observed without changing the identity of the object.

it depends on what substance you're talking about as well as many other factors. in quantum mechanics, the observation of particles affects the observers ability to measure certain properties. for example: you can know the velocity of a particle, but you can't know it's position; or you can know it's position, but not it's velocity. it's like trying to find out where a grain of sand is by throwing other grains of sand at it. once you find out where it is, it's been moved. it's also like trying to find an answer to the question of whether or not a tree falling in a forest makes a sound if nobody is there to hear it. paradoxically, the only way to find out is to be there and hear it.