Question

Silicon belonging to same group as Carbon and yet cannot form compounds like Carbon. Why?

• A. Silicon has smaller atomic radius
• B. Silicon has greater atomic radius
• C. Silicon has greater oxidising characteristics
• D. Silicon has greater reducing characteristics

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Silicon has greater atomic radius

Silicon (Si), another element in group 14 of the periodic table, also has four valence electrons and can make large molecules called silicones, but its atoms are too large to fit together into a large, stable molecule. Thus silicon lacks the great variety of molecules than the carbon can form - especially in living systems.