Question

Identify the correct set

• A. \( \text{SiO}_2 \) - ionic solid - conductor - high melting point
• B. \( \text{SiO}_2 \) - network solid - conductor - low melting point
• C. \( \text{SiO}_2 \) - network solid - insulator - high melting point
• D. \( \text{NaCl} \) - ionic solid - insulator in solid state - high melting point

Hint:

Network solids tend to have high melting points and are usually insulators because they do not have free electrons or ions for conduction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1:
SiO\(_2\) forms a network solid due to strong covalent bonding between oxygen and silicon atoms. It does not conduct electricity because there are no free-moving electrons or ions in its structure, hence it is an insulator in the solid state.
Step 2:
The high melting point of SiO\(_2\) is due to the strong covalent bonds between the atoms in the network structure. Thus, the correct option is (3).