Question

In $Si{O}_4^{4-}$ , the tetrahedral molecule, two oxygen atoms are shared in

• A. sheet silicates
• B. double-chain silicates
• C. chain silicates
• D. three-dimensional silicates

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In sheet silicates, three oxygen atoms of each tetrahedra are shared with adjacent $Si{O}_4^{4-}$ tetrahedra. In chain silicates, two oxygen atoms are shared by each tetrahedra.

Double-chain silicates occur when tetrahedra form a double chain by sharing two or three oxygen atoms. In $3D$ silicates, each tetrahedra shares all the four oxygen atoms with its neighbours.