Why is SiO2 a solid whereas CO2 is a gas at room temeperature?

The main factor influencing a given compound's state is the strength of intermolecular forces - those need to be larger than the thermal energy for a compound to be solid/liquid. For CO2 the only type of interactions possible are the weak Van der Waals forces, whereas in the case of SiO2 the solid is stabilised by the presence of strong covalent linkage all throughout the crystal lattice.

WG
Answered by Wojciech G. Chemistry tutor

7082 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does the 3D dash and wedge notation work?


How can there be both molecular and non-molecular solids?


What are isotopes?


Why does silicon dioxide have a higher melting point than sulphur?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning