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Use the electron configurations of Si and O to explain why these atoms combine chemically in a one-to-two ratio to form sand.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Silicon needs two oxygen atoms to complete electron sharing, forming SiO鈧.

Step by step solution

01

Write the Electron Configuration for Silicon (Si)

Silicon (Si) has an atomic number of 14. Its electron configuration is written as follows: 1s虏 2s虏 2p鈦 3s虏 3p虏. This shows that silicon has 4 electrons in its outermost shell (3s虏 3p虏)
02

Write the Electron Configuration for Oxygen (O)

Oxygen (O) has an atomic number of 8. Its electron configuration is: 1s虏 2s虏 2p鈦. Oxygen has 6 electrons in its outermost shell (2s虏 2p鈦).
03

Determine the Valency of Si and O

The valency of an element is determined by its need to complete its outermost shell to reach a stable state. Silicon needs 4 more electrons to complete its outer shell, having a valency of 4. Oxygen needs 2 more electrons to complete its outer shell, having a valency of 2.
04

Determine the Combining Ratio of Si and O

To satisfy their valencies, one Si atom (valency 4) will share its electrons with two O atoms (each with valency 2) because 2 O atoms can accept a total of 4 electrons. Thus, the ratio is one Si to two O atoms, forming SiO鈧 (sand).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Electron Configuration
Electron configuration is a way to represent how electrons are distributed in an atom's orbitals. These configurations help us predict and explain an element's chemical behavior and bonding tendencies. For silicon, with an atomic number of 14, its electron configuration is:
  • 1s虏 2s虏 2p鈦 3s虏 3p虏
This tells us there are 4 electrons in silicon's outermost shell (3s虏 3p虏).
Oxygen, with an atomic number of 8, has the electron configuration:
  • 1s虏 2s虏 2p鈦
Oxygen has 6 electrons in its outermost shell (2s虏 2p鈦). Recognizing these configurations helps us understand each element's reactive tendencies and forms the foundation for studying chemical bonding.
Valency
Valency describes an element's ability to combine with others, based on its electron configuration. It's the measure of an atom's capacity to bond, often determined by the number of electrons needed to complete an outer shell.
Silicon's electron configuration indicates it lacks 4 electrons to complete its outer shell, resulting in a valency of 4. Conversely, oxygen needs 2 additional electrons to fill its outer shell, giving it a valency of 2.
Therefore, understanding valency is critical in predicting how elements like silicon and oxygen will chemically bond. Their valencies drive the formation of stable compounds, like how silicon forms a bond with two oxygen atoms to create silicon dioxide (SiO鈧).
Silicon-Oxygen Compounds
Silicon-oxygen compounds are integral in our world, prominently forming what we know as sand. Structurally, these compounds are characterized by the bond between silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms. The most common compound in this category is silicon dioxide (SiO鈧), forming due to the chemical bonding properties of silicon and oxygen.
  • Silicon atoms seek to reach a complete outer electron shell by sharing electrons with oxygen atoms.
  • Each silicon atom bonds with two oxygen atoms, aligning with their respective valencies.
This precise 1:2 ratio arises from the need for stability, explained by silicon's requirement for four extra electrons for stability, efficiently shared by two oxygen atoms, each seeking two electrons.
Silicon
Silicon is a fundamental element often found in many materials, most notably as part of sand. Understanding its properties starts with its electron configuration and valency, which define its interactions with other elements.
Silicon has:
  • Atomic number 14
  • Electron configuration: 1s虏 2s虏 2p鈦 3s虏 3p虏
  • Four valence electrons
The need for these four electrons to fill its outer shell elucidates its quadruple bond potential. In nature, silicon鈥檚 relationship with oxygen forms strong covalent bonds, ensuring a stable and abundant compound like SiO鈧. Its bonding tendencies highlight how elements engage in specific ratios to promote environmental stability and prevalence.
Oxygen
Oxygen is a highly reactive non-metal integral to numerous compounds due to its electronegativity and valency. As seen in its electron configuration:
  • Atomic number 8
  • Configuration: 1s虏 2s虏 2p鈦
  • Six valence electrons
The configuration signifies its pursuit of two additional electrons for shell completion.
Oxygen's capability to form stable bonds makes it a key player in forming sand through SiO鈧, combining its need for electrons with silicon鈥檚 supply. This valuable interaction exemplifies how oxygen consistently engages in forming stable, natural structures. It underscores the foundation of many material compositions, emphasizing its role in sustaining the environment.

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