Question

Silica exhibits ionic and covalent bonding and the fraction of covalent bonding is (Electronegativity of Silicon is 1.8 and that of Oxygen is 3.5)

• A. Fraction Covalent = 0.486
• B. Fraction Covalent = 1.486
• C. Fraction Covalent = 2.486
• D. Fraction Covalent = 3.486

Hint:

The smaller the electronegativity difference, the more covalent the bond. Large differences favor ionic bonding.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The fraction of covalent bonding is calculated using Pauling’s equation:
\[f = e^{-\frac{(\chi_O - \chi_{Si})^2}{4}}\]
where \(\chi_{Si} = 1.8\) and \(\chi_O = 3.5\). Substituting:
\[f = e^{-\frac{(3.5 - 1.8)^2}{4}} \approx 0.486\]