In silica `(SiO_(2))`, each silicon atom is bonded to

Options

A. two oxygen atoms
B. four oxygen atoms.
C. one silicon and two oxygen atoms.
D. one silicon and three oxygen atoms

Explanation

To determine how many oxygen atoms each silicon atom is bonded to in silica (SiO₂), we can analyze the structure of the compound step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of SiO₂**:
- Silica, or silicon dioxide, has a three-dimensional network structure.
- Each silicon atom (Si) is surrounded by oxygen atoms (O) in a specific arrangement.

2. **Visualizing the Tetrahedral Geometry**:
- In SiO₂, each silicon atom is at the center of a tetrahedron.
- The four corners of this tetrahedron are occupied by oxygen atoms.

3. **Counting the Bonds**:
- Since each silicon atom is at the center of a tetrahedron formed by four oxygen atoms, we can conclude that:
- Each silicon atom is bonded to **four oxygen atoms**.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, in silica (SiO₂), each silicon atom is bonded to **4 oxygen atoms**.

### Final Answer:
Each silicon atom in silica (SiO₂) is bonded to **4 oxygen atoms**.

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