Each silicon atom in silicon dioxide forms four single covalent bonds with oxygen atoms.

Quick Scoop

  • In the SiO₂ giant covalent (network) structure, each silicon atom is surrounded tetrahedrally by four oxygen atoms.
  • Each of these four Si–O links is a single covalent bond, so the answer is 4 covalent bonds per silicon atom with oxygen atoms.
  • Each oxygen atom, in turn, is bonded to two silicon atoms, helping to extend the three‑dimensional network.

So, in silicon dioxide, the number of covalent bonds between each silicon atom and oxygen atoms is four.

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