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

6690 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do first ionisation energies decrease down a group?


What are Van der Waal forces ?


How do I calculate the Gibbs free energy change for a reaction when given the entropy change, enthalpy change and the reaction conditions>


How do buffer solutions work and how do you calculate the pH of a buffer solution?


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