Question

In $Si{O}_4^{4-}$, the tetrahedral molecule, two oxygen atoms are shared in :

• A. sheet silicates
• B. double-chain silicates
• C. chain silicates
• D. three-dimensional silicates.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

chain silicates

Answer:-

In sheet silicates, three oxygen atoms of each tetrahedral are shared with adjacent ${\left(Si{O}_4\right)}^{-4}$ tetrahedral. In chain silicates, two oxygen atoms are shared by each tetrahedral.

Double-chain silicate occur when tetrahedral form a double chain by sharing two or three oxygen atoms. In 3D silicates, each tetrahedral shares all the four oxygen atoms with its neighbours.

Thus, two oxygen atoms are shared in only chain silicates.