The basic unit of all silicates is

Options

A. `SiO_(2)`
B. `SiO_(4)^(2-)`
C. `SiO_(3)^(2-)`
D. `SiO_(4)^(4-)`

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the basic unit of all silicates, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Basic Unit of Silicates
The basic unit of silicates is known to be the silicate tetrahedron. This unit consists of silicon (Si) surrounded by four oxygen (O) atoms.

**Hint:** Recall the structure of silicates and their fundamental building blocks.

### Step 2: Write the Chemical Formula
The chemical formula for the silicate tetrahedron is represented as SiO4^4-. This indicates that the silicon atom is at the center, and it is bonded to four oxygen atoms, each carrying a negative charge.

**Hint:** Consider the charges on the oxygen atoms when determining the overall charge of the unit.

### Step 3: Understand the Geometry
The arrangement of the four oxygen atoms around the silicon atom forms a tetrahedral shape. This geometry is significant in understanding how silicates bond and form larger structures.

**Hint:** Visualize the tetrahedral shape to understand the spatial arrangement of atoms.

### Step 4: Determine Hybridization
In the silicate tetrahedron, the silicon atom undergoes sp3 hybridization, which allows it to form four equivalent covalent bonds with the oxygen atoms.

**Hint:** Remember that hybridization is related to the number of bonds formed by the central atom.

### Step 5: Eliminate Incorrect Options
Given the options provided in the question, we can eliminate SiO2, SiO4^2-, and SiO3^2- as they do not represent the basic unit of silicates. The correct answer is SiO4^4-.

**Hint:** Cross-reference the options with your understanding of silicate structures to identify the correct one.

### Final Answer
The basic unit of all silicates is SiO4^4-.

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