The consitutent particles in carborundum

Options

A. atoms
B. molecules
C. `+ve` ions
D. `+ve` ions in a sea of electrons

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Carborundum**:
- Carborundum is commonly known as silicon carbide (SiC). It is a compound made up of silicon and carbon.

2. **Identifying the Structure**:
- Silicon carbide has a crystalline structure. In this structure, silicon atoms and carbon atoms are arranged in a specific pattern.

3. **Constituent Particles**:
- The constituent particles of silicon carbide can be understood in terms of its atomic composition. It consists of silicon (Si) and carbon (C) atoms.

4. **Nature of Bonding**:
- In silicon carbide, the silicon and carbon atoms are covalently bonded, forming a strong network structure. This means that the particles are not just isolated atoms or molecules, but are part of a larger lattice.

5. **Electron Configuration**:
- Additionally, in the context of its use in LEDs, silicon carbide can exhibit properties similar to semiconductors, where there are holes (absence of electrons) and free electrons that contribute to its electrical conductivity.

6. **Final Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct description of the constituent particles in carborundum is that it consists of positive ions (Si⁴⁺) and a sea of electrons, which allows for its conductivity and application in electronic devices like LEDs.

**Final Answer**: The constituent particles in carborundum (silicon carbide, SiC) are positive ions in a sea of electrons.

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