Textbook Question
Account for each of the following observations.
b. SF4 exists, but OF4 does not.
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals
Main Group Elements: Bonding Types
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Which of the following is a false statement about silicates?
A
Silicon and oxygen are the most abundant elements in the earth's crust.
B
Silicates are covalent atomic solids that contain silicon, oxygen, and various metal atoms.
C
The structure of silicates determines their properties.
D
Silicates can be thin sheets, highly fibrous, or strong three-dimensional materials.
E
The ratio of silicon to oxygen is the same in all silicates.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the key components of silicates: Silicates are compounds that primarily consist of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O), often combined with various metal atoms.
Understand the structure of silicates: Silicates can have different structural forms, such as sheets, chains, or three-dimensional frameworks, which influence their properties.
Examine the abundance of elements: Silicon and oxygen are indeed the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust, making silicates a major component of many minerals.
Analyze the variability in silicon to oxygen ratio: The ratio of silicon to oxygen can vary among different types of silicates, such as in orthosilicates, pyrosilicates, and tectosilicates, each having distinct Si:O ratios.
Conclude which statement is false: Given the variability in the silicon to oxygen ratio among different silicate structures, the statement that the ratio is the same in all silicates is false.
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