Question

What kind of geometry does the following molecule have? sio2

a. bent
b. linear
c. tetragonal
d. trigonal bipyramidal?

Answer 1

Silicon has 4 outer electrons so adopts a tetrahedral structure analogous to diamond. Dear Quora User, In polymer form SiO2 is tetrahedral and in non polymer form it is linear.

Answer 2

Bent

Explanation:

option B is correct

The geometry of SiO2 unlike CO2 is bent or tetrahedral to be exact rather than linear. This bent structure of SiO2 is because the double bond between Si and O is weak hence it forms four single bonds(sigma bonds) to maximize the orbital overlapping. Moreover, Si has a lone pair and there is repulsion between lone pair and bond pair. This also disturbs the linear geometry of SiO2.