The basic structural unit of silicates is :-

Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The electronegativity of group 14 elements from Si to Pb gradually decreases.
Statement II: Group 14 contains non-metallic, metallic, as well as metalloid elements.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate from the options given below:

Answer 1

The given question asks about the basic structural unit of silicates. Let's understand the concept:

Silicates are compounds made of silicon and oxygen, often with other elements, and are abundantly found in the Earth's crust. At the core of all silicate structures lies a fundamental building block, known as the silica tetrahedron.

The Silica Tetrahedron: The silica tetrahedron is a structural unit that consists of a silicon atom (Si) centrally located and surrounded by four oxygen atoms (O) at the corners of a tetrahedron. This can be represented chemically as $SiO_4^{4-}$. The silicon atom forms covalent bonds with the oxygen atoms, creating a tetrahedral arrangement.
Charge of Silica Tetrahedron: In the $SiO_4^{4-}$ unit, each oxygen atom bears a partial negative charge due to its higher electronegativity compared to silicon, which results in the overall unit possessing a charge of 4-.
Role in Silicates: These silica tetrahedra can link together in various configurations, such as chains, sheets, or three-dimensional networks, to form the diverse range of silicate minerals found in nature. Their ability to polymerize in different ways leads to the variety of silicate structures.

Now let's evaluate the options provided and justify why $SiO_4^{4-}$ is the correct answer:

$SiO_4^{4-}$: This is the correct representation of the silica tetrahedron, the fundamental building block of silicate minerals.
$SiO_4^{2-}$: Incorrect. This option represents a species with half the charge of the true fundamental unit.
$SiO^-$: Incorrect. This is not a valid representation of a silicate unit.
$SiO_3^{2-}$: Incorrect. This does not correspond to the silica tetrahedron that forms the basis of silicate structures.

Therefore, the basic structural unit of silicates is correctly represented by the $SiO_4^{4-}$ ion.

Understanding these fundamental concepts can help in recognizing other silicate structures and their properties in chemistry.

Answer 2

The given question asks about the basic structural unit of silicates. Let's understand the concept:

Silicates are compounds made of silicon and oxygen, often with other elements, and are abundantly found in the Earth's crust. At the core of all silicate structures lies a fundamental building block, known as the silica tetrahedron.

The Silica Tetrahedron: The silica tetrahedron is a structural unit that consists of a silicon atom (Si) centrally located and surrounded by four oxygen atoms (O) at the corners of a tetrahedron. This can be represented chemically as $SiO_4^{4-}$. The silicon atom forms covalent bonds with the oxygen atoms, creating a tetrahedral arrangement.
Charge of Silica Tetrahedron: In the $SiO_4^{4-}$ unit, each oxygen atom bears a partial negative charge due to its higher electronegativity compared to silicon, which results in the overall unit possessing a charge of 4-.
Role in Silicates: These silica tetrahedra can link together in various configurations, such as chains, sheets, or three-dimensional networks, to form the diverse range of silicate minerals found in nature. Their ability to polymerize in different ways leads to the variety of silicate structures.

Now let's evaluate the options provided and justify why $SiO_4^{4-}$ is the correct answer:

$SiO_4^{4-}$: This is the correct representation of the silica tetrahedron, the fundamental building block of silicate minerals.
$SiO_4^{2-}$: Incorrect. This option represents a species with half the charge of the true fundamental unit.
$SiO^-$: Incorrect. This is not a valid representation of a silicate unit.
$SiO_3^{2-}$: Incorrect. This does not correspond to the silica tetrahedron that forms the basis of silicate structures.

Therefore, the basic structural unit of silicates is correctly represented by the $SiO_4^{4-}$ ion.

Understanding these fundamental concepts can help in recognizing other silicate structures and their properties in chemistry.

The basic structural unit of silicates is :-

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

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