Question

Group $14$(carbon family) elements have the following properties:

• A. They are all network solids with octahedral network.
• B. Only $Si{O}_2$ is a network solid with tetrahedral coordination and is a giant molecules.
• C. $Sn{O}_2$ and $Pb{O}_2$ are amphoteric oxides.
• D. All oxides are acidic.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B Only $Si{O}_2$ is a network solid with tetrahedral coordination and is a giant molecules.
C $Sn{O}_2$ and $Pb{O}_2$ are amphoteric oxides.

Silica has a three-dimensional network structure. In silica, silicon is $s{p}^3$-hybridized and is thus linked to four oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is linked to two silicon atoms forming a three-dimensional giant molecule as shown in figure.

All the elements of this group form oxides of the type $M{O}_2$ out of which $C{O}_2$ and $Si{O}_2$ are acidic while $Ge{O}_2$, $Sn{O}_2$ and $Pb{O}_2$ are amphoteric.