Which is not true of a single silicon-oxygen tetrahedron?
a. The atoms of the tetrahedron are strongly bonded together.
b. It has a net negative charge.
c. The formula is SiO 4 .
d. It has four silicon atoms.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is d. It has four silicon atoms.
Explanation:
A silicon-oxygen tetrahedron is a fundamental structural unit in many silicate minerals, consisting of a central silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms arranged in a tetrahedral configuration. Let’s break down each option:
- a. The atoms of the tetrahedron are strongly bonded together.
This is true. The bonds between silicon and oxygen in the tetrahedron are covalent, and these bonds are quite strong. Silicon shares electrons with oxygen atoms to form the Si–O bonds, which is a stable and strong connection, making the structure quite robust. - b. It has a net negative charge.
This is true. The oxygen atoms in the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron are more electronegative than silicon, which causes the oxygen atoms to pull electron density away from the silicon. This results in the oxygen atoms carrying a partial negative charge, and because there are four oxygens, this gives the tetrahedron a net negative charge overall. The silicon atom, on the other hand, has a partial positive charge due to the electron deficiency. - c. The formula is SiO₄.
This is true. The basic formula for a single silicon-oxygen tetrahedron is SiO₄, where one silicon atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms. This tetrahedral arrangement of atoms is the core building block for more complex silicate structures. - d. It has four silicon atoms.
This is false. A silicon-oxygen tetrahedron only has one silicon atom at the center, surrounded by four oxygen atoms. The option stating that it has four silicon atoms is incorrect because it misrepresents the basic structure. There is only a single silicon atom in a tetrahedron, and the rest are oxygen atoms.
In summary, a silicon-oxygen tetrahedron consists of a single silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, and the overall structure carries a negative charge. Therefore, the statement “it has four silicon atoms” is incorrect.