Question

Which resonance forms of silicon dioxide contribute the most to the actual bonding?

a) SiO₂.
b) SiO₃.
c) SiO₄.
d) Si₂O₆.

Answer 1

The primary contributors to the actual bonding in silicon dioxide are SiO₂ and SiO₄ resonance structures.

The correct answer is option (a) SiO₂ and option (c) SiO₄.

Step-by-step explanation:

The resonance forms of silicon dioxide that contribute the most to the actual bonding are (a) SiO₂ and (c) SiO₄.

SiO₂ has a three-dimensional network structure in which each silicon atom forms four Si-O single bonds. This structure is commonly found in quartz and fused silica.

SiO₄ is a tetrahedral structure in which each silicon atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms. This structure is commonly found in minerals like feldspar and zeolites.

The correct answer is option (a) SiO₂ and option (c) SiO₄.