Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): 2:1 layer silicates consist of two tetrahedral sheets bound to either side of an octahedral sheet
Statement (II): Two tetrahedral sheets of 2:1 layer silicates is bound to one side of an octahedral sheet in 2:1 layer silicates

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

2:1 clays always follow tetrahedral-octahedral-tetrahedral arrangement.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: In 2:1 clay minerals, the octahedral sheet sits between two tetrahedral sheets, one on each side.
Step 2: Statement (I) matches this sandwich structure, so it is correct.
Step 3: Statement (II) claims both tetrahedral sheets are on one side only, which is structurally wrong.
Step 4: Correct answer, Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.