Which statement best describes the bonding in a silicon dioxide (SiO_2) molecule?

• A. Each silicon atom forms double covalent bonds with two oxygen atoms, resulting in a linear molecule.
• B. Each silicon atom forms covalent bonds with four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral structure.
• C. Each silicon atom forms single covalent bonds with two oxygen atoms, creating a network structure.
• D. Silicon dioxide consists of ionic bonds between silicon and oxygen atoms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the structure of silicon dioxide (SiO\_2) in its most common form, which is quartz. It is not a simple molecule but a network solid.
2. Understand that in SiO\_2, each silicon atom is bonded to oxygen atoms in a three-dimensional network rather than forming discrete molecules.
3. Recognize that silicon typically forms four covalent bonds due to its four valence electrons, and oxygen typically forms two bonds.
4. In SiO\_2, each silicon atom is covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms arranged tetrahedrally, and each oxygen atom bridges between two silicon atoms, creating a continuous network.
5. Therefore, the bonding is best described as silicon atoms forming covalent bonds with four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral structure, resulting in a network solid rather than discrete molecules with double bonds or ionic bonds.