Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 9. MCE Science. Student Book - Unit 5: Chemical Bonding and Structure of Materials - Question 34

Silicon dioxide is found in quartz and sand. Figure 5.21 shows the structure of silicon dioxide.

Silicon dioxide consists of many silicon and oxygen atoms bonded to one another. The atoms are joined in a regular arrangement forming an extensive network.



Consider the number of outer electrons in silicon and oxygen. Explain why the overall ratio of silicon atoms to oxygen atoms in silicon dioxide is 1 : 2.