Final answer:
Carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide have different structures. Carbon dioxide forms discrete molecules with double bonds, while silicon dioxide forms a covalent network solid. The ability of group 14 elements like carbon and silicon to form strong bonds affects the structure of these compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide have different structures and physical properties. Carbon dioxide exists as discrete molecules with double bonds between the carbon and oxygen atoms. On the other hand, silicon dioxide forms a covalent network solid, with each silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms and sharing oxygen atoms with other SiO4 tetrahedra. This gives silicon dioxide a three-dimensional, continuous structure called a macromolecule. The ability of group 14 elements like carbon and silicon to form strong bonds influences the structure of these compounds.