Question
Question: In silicon dioxide: (A) Each \(Si\) atom is surrounded by \[4\] oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom ...
In silicon dioxide:
(A) Each Si atom is surrounded by 4 oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to 2 silicon atoms.
(B) Each silicon atom is surrounded by four O2 atoms and each O2 is surrounded by 2 silicon atoms.
(C) Each silicon atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms.
(D) None of the above
Solution
Silicon dioxide which is known as silica, whose chemical formula is SiO2 is a naturally occurring oxide in the form of quartz. It is also called silicic acid or kali bromidum.
Complete step by step answer:
Silicon dioxide is obtained in a transparent to grey color when it is in its crystalline or amorphous powdered form. SiO2 an odorless and tasteless compound.
Silicon dioxide is a covalent compound in which each silicon atom is bonded with 4 oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to 2 silicon atoms in a tetrahedral structure.
The structure of Silicon dioxide is very big in which an eight-membered ring is formed with the arrangement of alternate oxygen and silicon atoms. As the bond enthalpy of the Si−O is very high, the bond becomes unreactive to many acids including halogens and alkalis but it gets dissolved in HF and NaOH.
Silicon dioxide is obtained through several processes like mining, sand mining, and the purification of quartz. Precipitated silica or amorphous silica is obtained via acidification of solutions of sodium silicate.
When Silica gel is washed and dehydrated it produces colorless microporous silica. You can also get Silica fume from hot processes such as the processing of ferrosilicon as a by-product. Being highly stable, Silicon dioxide can be obtained through many other methods.
SiO2 is used widely in the construction industry for the production of concrete. In its crystalline form, it is used in hydraulic fracturing.
Hence, option (A) is correct.
Note:
Silica is non-toxic when it is ingested orally but when you inhale finely divided crystalline silica, it can lead to bronchitis, lung cancer, or silicosis, due to the lodging of dust in the lungs.