The mineral quartz has a chemical formula of SiO2. What is the formal name for this compound
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The formal name for the compound with the chemical formula SiO₂ is silicon dioxide.
Explanation:
Silicon dioxide is a chemical compound composed of one silicon atom and two oxygen atoms. It is commonly found in nature as quartz, as well as in various living organisms. This compound plays a significant role in both geology and industry.
Silicon dioxide is classified as a covalent compound, meaning its atoms share electrons to form stable bonds. The bonding occurs between the metalloid silicon and the nonmetal oxygen. Because silicon is less electronegative than oxygen, the oxygen atoms attract the shared electrons more strongly, creating a polar covalent bond. However, in the extended crystal structure of quartz, these individual polarities balance out due to symmetry, resulting in an overall nonpolar solid.
In nature, silicon dioxide exists in both crystalline and amorphous forms. Quartz is the most well-known crystalline form and is recognized for its hardness and high melting point. These properties result from the strong silicon-oxygen bonds within the tetrahedral network structure. Amorphous forms, such as silica glass, lack long-range order but retain the basic chemical composition.
Silicon dioxide is widely used in various industries. In construction, it is a primary component of sand and is used in the manufacture of glass, concrete, and ceramics. In electronics, ultrapure silicon dioxide is used as an insulating material in semiconductor devices. Additionally, it serves as a food additive, where it acts as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods.
From a biological standpoint, diatoms—a type of algae—build their cell walls from silica, demonstrating that silicon dioxide also plays a role in the biosphere.
In summary, silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is a fundamental compound in both the natural world and modern technology, known for its stability, abundance, and versatility.
