compare and contrast the bonding forces in carbon dioxide(dry ice) and silicon dioxide(quartz) how does this explain the difference in their properties
Both carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide are covalently bonded compounds, but they differ in the type of bonds present.
Carbon dioxide (dry ice) is a small molecule composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. It has a linear molecular structure held together by double bonds between the carbon and oxygen atoms. These double bonds are strong covalent bonds, which result in a relatively low melting and boiling point for carbon dioxide. Additionally, carbon dioxide is a nonpolar molecule, leading to weak dispersion forces between molecules.
On the other hand, silicon dioxide (quartz) is a network covalent compound composed of silicon and oxygen atoms arranged in a three-dimensional lattice structure. Each silicon atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms, forming a strong covalent bond. This network of interconnected bonds results in a high melting and boiling point for silicon dioxide. Additionally, silicon dioxide is a polar molecule due to the presence of silicon-oxygen bonds, leading to stronger electrostatic forces between molecules.
The difference in bonding forces between carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide explains their properties. Carbon dioxide has a lower melting and boiling point compared to silicon dioxide due to the weaker intermolecular forces between molecules. Additionally, the network covalent structure of silicon dioxide results in its high melting point and hardness compared to the small, linear structure of carbon dioxide.