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

7318 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Rank the following acids according to acid strength, strongest to weakest: HF, HCl, HBr. Explain your reasoning.


What is nucleophilic substitution and how can I draw a mechanism to show this reaction taking place?


State the qualitative tests to distinguish between halide ions in solution.


When an unsymmetrical alkene undergoes electrophilic addition you often get a major and minor product. What would the major product be when propene reacts with hydrochloric acid? Why is this?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning