Answer: silicon and oxygen atoms.
- A silicon and oxygen atoms
- B carbon and oxygen atoms
- C silicon and carbon atoms
- D boron and oxygen atoms
Correct answer: A. silicon and oxygen atoms
Explanation: Silicones have an –Si–O–Si–O– backbone with organic groups on silicon, giving water-repellent, heat-stable materials.
Diamond's rigid 3D tetrahedral network makes it the hardest natural material, while graphite's flat hexagonal sheets are held together only by weak forces, letting them slide past each other (used as a lubricant and in pencils).
Concept context
Covers the Boron family (Group 13: B, Al) and the Carbon family (Group 14: C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb). Key topics include Lewis acid behaviour of BF₃, borax bead test, silicates, silicones, allotropes of carbon, and trends in properties down the group.