We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: How Semiconductors and Transistors Work
University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
So here we add three more silicon atoms, each of which has rotated along its bond to get the unattached electrons as far away from one another as possible.

Most atomic elements with four outer electrons ("Column IV" of the periodic table) form the same crystal structure. This structure is named after the gemstone the column IV atom carbon makes when it has this arrangement: diamond.

 
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