Question

In silicon dioxide:

• A. There are double bonds between silicon and oxygen atoms.
• B. Each silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.
• C. Silicon is bonded to two silicon atoms.
• D. Each silicon atom is surrounded by two oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Each silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.

Silicon dioxide is a covalent, three-dimensional network solid in which each silicon atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms which are arranged tetra-hedrally around it and each oxygen atom is attached to two silicon atoms by covalent bonds. Each corner is further shared by another tetrahedron.

The entire crystal may thus be considered as a giant molecule in which eight-membered rings are formed with alternate silicon and oxygen atoms.