In silicon dioxide

Options

A. there are double bonds between silicon and oxygen atoms.
B. silicon atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms.
C. each silicon atom is surrounded by two oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.
D. each silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.

Explanation

To answer the question regarding the structure of silicon dioxide (SiO2), we can break it down step by step:

### Step 1: Understand the Composition of Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide is composed of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms. The formula SiO2 indicates that each silicon atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms.

### Step 2: Visualize the Structure
To visualize the structure of SiO2, we can draw a simple representation. Silicon forms covalent bonds with oxygen atoms. In a three-dimensional structure, each silicon atom is surrounded by oxygen atoms.

### Step 3: Analyze the Bonding
In the structure of SiO2:
- Each silicon atom (Si) is bonded to four oxygen atoms (O).
- Each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.

### Step 4: Count the Surrounding Atoms
- For a silicon atom, if we look at its surroundings, we find that it is connected to four oxygen atoms.
- For an oxygen atom, it is connected to two silicon atoms.

### Step 5: Conclusion
From the analysis, we conclude that:
- Each silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms.
- Each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.

Thus, the correct option is:
**D: Each silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom is bonded to two silicon atoms.**