Carbon and Silicon are present in the same group. Their dioxides `CO_2` and `SiO_2`, show some similarities. For example both are acidic oxides. a. But, `CO_2` is a gas while `SiO_2` is a solid. Account. b. The basic building blocks of silicates are (SiO4)^4-tetrahedra. Differentiate Orthosilicates and Pyrosilicates. c. Silica gel is used as-a drying agent. Justify.

Explanation

a. Due to the small size of carbon atom it forms .P pi-P dot pi. borids with oxygen. Hence here, .CO_2., is monomeric and exist as discrete molecule. But .SiO_2^prime. molecules.are arranged as a three dimensional network in Which each Si atom is tetrahedrally surrounded by foür oxygen atom. .So^prime CO_2., is a gas but .SiO., is a solid.
b. Orthosilicate contains single, .SiO_4^+. tetrahedral ùnit, which is discrete. But pyrosilicate contains two .SiO_4^+. tetrabedra: .Si_2 O_2^6-2.
c. Water molecules arre àdsorbed on silica gel. So silica gel cain act as a drying agent.