How many nearest neighbours are there for Si and O atoms in quartz crystals?

Question

How many nearest neighbours are there for Si and O atoms in quartz crystals? (A) 4 (Si) ; 2 (O) (B) 4 (Si) ; 4 (O) (C) 2 (Si) ; 2(O) (D) 3 (Si) ; 2(O)

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Quartz is SiO 2 ( silicon dioxide) in which SiO 2 units are present as giant crystal. In SiO 2 crystal each Si-atom is surrounded by 4 (O -atoms ) , i.e. has four nearest neighbours and each O -atom is surrounded by two Si -atoms having two nearest neighbours. <img class="img-fluid question-image" alt="image" src="https://cdn.tardigrade.in/img/question/chemistry/cca9c27405e77c3ccf87305e8a2f36b9-.png" />

Q. How many nearest neighbours are there for $S i$ and $O$ atoms in quartz crystals?

4 (Si) ; 2 (O)

4 (Si) ; 4 (O)

2 (Si) ; 2(O)

3 (Si) ; 2(O)

Quartz is $S i O_{2}$ ( silicon dioxide) in which $S i O_{2}$ units are present as giant crystal. In $S i O_{2}$ crystal each Si-atom is surrounded by $4 (O$ -atoms $)$ , i.e. has four nearest neighbours and each $O$ -atom is surrounded by two $S i$ -atoms having two nearest neighbours.

Q. How many nearest neighbours are there for Si and O atoms in quartz crystals?