Question

If silicon has a charge of +4 and oxygen has a charge of -2, what is the total charge on this structure?

Answer 1

Zero with the subscripts, +2 without them.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello!

In this case, since we consider that two silicon are bonded with four oxygen atoms to form silicon oxide according to the following chemical equation:

`Si^(4+)+O^(2-)\rightarrow Si_2O_4`

It is also possible to realize it can be simplified to obtain:

`SiO_2`

Which means that the total charge with the subscripts is zero, and without the subscripts +2 (+4-2).

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