Carbon dioxide, CO₂, exists as discrete molecular compounds, whereas SiO₂ exists as a network covalent compound. Identify the hybridization and the number of sigma and pi bonds on each C and Si.

Question

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Carbon dioxide (CO2) has a carbon atom double bonded to two oxygen atoms. The carbon is sp hybridized, forming two sigma bonds and two pi bonds with the oxygen atoms. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) forms a network covalent structure, where each silicon atom is sp3 hybridized, forming four sigma bonds with oxygen atoms, with no pi bonds involved.

Carbon Dioxide, CO2, Exists as Discrete Molecular Compounds, Whereas SiO2

Carbon Dioxide, CO₂, Exists as Discrete Molecular Compounds, Whereas SiO₂