Question

why is CO2 a gas at room temperature,while SiO2is a solid??? please answer fast and thank you.

Answer 1

$\huge\red{\underline{{\boxed{\textbf{Answer}}}}}$

CO2 exists as a discrete single molecule as O=C=O. and due to only van der waal's interactions the intermolecular forces are not strong enough, allowing the molecules move about freely, hence it exists as a gas.

SiO2 however actuall exists as a polymeric network as O-Si-O-Si......., here each Si atom is bonded to O atom by a single bond and also to 2 other O atoms making it strongly bonded. Due to this the intermolecular forces are tremendously high and molecules cannot move about freely, Hence SiO2 is a solid.

Answer 2

$\large\sf\underline{Answer:-}$

• CO2 exists as a discrete single molecule as O=C=O. and due to only van der waal's interactions the intermolecular forces are not strong enough, allowing the molecules move about freely, hence it exists as a gas.