Question

Silica is a ________ .
(1) Monoatomic element
(2) Diatomic compound
(3) Triatomic compound
(4) Tetratomic compound

Answer 1

Fumed silica. Fumed silica also known as pyrogenic silica is a very fine particulate or colloidal form of silicon dioxide. It is prepared by burning SiCl4 in an oxygen-rich hydrogen flame to produce a "smoke" of SiO2. The majority of optical fibers for telecommunication are also made from silica.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (3) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A monoatomic element contains only one atom. For example, Ar is a monoatomic element.

A diatomic compound is defined as the compound which contains two atoms. For example, CO (carbon monoxide) is a diatomic compound.

A triatomic compound is defined as the compound which contains three atoms.

For example, chemical formula of silica is $SiO_{2}$. It contains one silicon atom and two oxygen atoms.

Thus, we can conclude that silica is a triatomic compound.