Question

What best describes the bonding in a silicon dioxide molecule?

A.) A silicon atom transfers an electron to each oxygen atom.

B.) A silicon atom receives two electrons from each oxygen atom.

C.) A silicon atom shares an electron pair with each oxygen atom.

D.) A silicon atom shares two electron pairs with each oxygen atom.

Answer 1

C.) A silicon atom shares an electron pair with each oxygen atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

Silicon is the element of group 14 and third period. The atomic number of silicon is 14 and the symbol of the element is Si.

The electronic configuration of the element silicon is:-

`[Ne] 3s^23p^2`

Oxygen is the element of group 16 and third period. The atomic number of oxygen is 16 and the symbol of the element is O.

The electronic configuration of the element oxygen is:-

`[Ne] 3s^23p^4`

Thus, to attain stability and forming covalent bond, the silicon atom shares an electron pair with each oxygen atoms as by sharing both have their octets complete.

Answer 2

C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bonds are covalent . A silicon atom shares an electron pair with each oxygen atom.