Silicon dioxide, SiO2\text{SiO}_2SiO2, has a giant covalent structure. A student uses lines between atom symbols to show the covalent bonds in a small section of this structure. The student begins by writing one silicon atom and every oxygen atom that is bonded directly to it.
How many lines should the student draw between the silicon atom and these oxygen atoms? Explain your answer.
The student then extends this section outwards so that every one of these oxygen atoms shows all of its covalent bonds. How many more lines must the student draw from these oxygen atoms? Explain your answer.
98 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Chemistry 2.1 Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic, covering 2.1.1 Chemical bonds, 2.1.2 Ionic bonding, 2.1.3 Ionic compounds, 2.1.4 Covalent bonding, and 2.1.5 Metallic bonding. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.