Question

The structure of quartz, mica, and asbestos have the common basic unit of:
(A) ${(Si{O_4})^{4 - }}$
(B) ${(Si{O_3})^{2 - }}$
(C) ${(Si{O_4})^{2 - }}$
(D) $Si{O_2}$

Answer 1

According to the question, first we have to check the structure and the composition of quartz, mica, and asbestos respectively. And then define the given silicates minerals.

Complete step-by-step answer: Quartz, mica and asbestos are different types of silicates, so the basic unit is ${(Si{O_4})^{4 - }}$ .
Now, For Quartz:-The basic structural unit of quartz is a group of three connected $Si{O_4}$ tetrahedral or ${(Si{O_4})^{4 - }}$ . Although every one of the themes a and b alone get the job done to develop the whole crystal structure, it merits referencing that neighboring themes share one $Si{O_4}$ tetrahedron to frame a gathering of 5 tetrahedra. Quartz is made up of silica, so it’s a common silicate mineral.
For Mica:-Mica is a potassium aluminium silicate mineral. It is a sort of phyllosilicate, displaying a two-dimensional sheet or layer structure. Micas have sheet structures whose basic units consist of two polymerized sheets of silica ( $Si{O_4}$ ) tetrahedrons or ${(Si{O_4})^{4 - }}$ .
And, For asbestos:-It is a hydrous magnesium silicate. Any of a few minerals that promptly isolated into long, adaptable filaments. Chrysotile , the stringy type of the mineral serpentine, is the most popular sort and records for around 95 percent of all asbestos in business use.

Hence, the correct option is: (A.) ${(Si{O_4})^{4 - }}$.

Note: Silica Tetrahedron structure is a three-dimensional ball-and-stick model in which three oxygen atoms are holding up their central silicon atom, much like the three legs of a stool, with the fourth oxygen atom sticking straight up above the central atom.