Silicon dioxide exists as ________

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, has a giant covalent network structure where each silicon atom is covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is covalently bonded to two silicon atoms. This results in a three-dimensional network of covalent bonds that extends throughout the entire solid. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Option B is incorrect as silicon dioxide is not a metal, and option C is incorrect as silicon dioxide is not a semimetal. Option D is incorrect as molecular solids are made up of discrete molecules held together by intermolecular forces, while silicon dioxide has a giant covalent network structure. Option E is also incorrect as only option A is correct.

Silicon Dioxide Exists as ________