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

6088 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What key factors would you use to analyse a high resolution proton NMR spectrum


Why is the first ionisation energy of barium larger than the first ionsiation energy of caesium?


Why do we use the n+1 rule in proton NMR?


Explain the reactions of CH3CH2Cl with the nucleophile NH3 and name the initial product formed.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences