Question

`CO_(2)` exists in the gaseous state, whereas `SiO_(2)` is a hard solid though both carbon and silicon belong to the same group. Give reasons.

Answer 1

(i) comparison of size of carbon and silicon
(ii) effect of size of carbon and silicon on the nature of bond present in `CO_(2)` and `SiO_(2)`
(iii) influence of nature of bonds on the structure of the molecules
(iv) relation between the structure of the substance and physical state of matter