Which two elements must be present in a silicate compound?

• A. Silicon and hydrogen
• B. Silicon and nitrogen
• C. Silicon and oxygen
• D. Oxygen and carbon

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that silicate compounds are minerals or materials primarily composed of silicon and oxygen atoms arranged in a specific structure.
2. Recall that the fundamental building block of silicates is the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron, where one silicon atom is covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms.
3. Recognize that hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon are not part of the basic silicate structure, so options containing these elements are incorrect.
4. Identify that the correct elements present in all silicate compounds are silicon (Si) and oxygen (O).
5. Conclude that the answer is 'Silicon and oxygen' because these two elements form the essential framework of silicate minerals.