Question

Which of the following is/are correct regarding Carborundum $\left(SiC\right)$?​

• A. Each atom is $s{p}^3$ hybridised
• B. Atoms are both $s{p}^2$ and $s{p}^3$ hybridised
• C. It is a soft substance which melts on heating
• D. It is a hard substance which decomposes into elements on heating

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

It is a hard substance which decomposes into elements on heating

Carborundum $\left(SiC\right)$:
Preparation:
$Si{O}_2+3C\underset{{2000}^{\circ }C}{\overset{\text{Electric furnace}}{\to }}SiC+2CO$
Properties:

1. It is a very hard substance.​
2. On heating, it does not melt. Rather, it decomposes into elements.
3. ​It has a diamond-like structure in which each atom is $s{p}^3$ hybridised.​
4. Each atom is tetrahedrally surrounded by four atoms of the other type.​