During the synthesis of specialized optical glasses, germanium dioxide (GeO2\text{GeO}_2GeO2) reacts with sodium oxide (Na2O\text{Na}_2\text{O}Na2O) to form sodium germanate (Na2GeO3\text{Na}_2\text{GeO}_3Na2GeO3).
The equation for the reaction is:
GeO2+Na2O→Na2GeO3 \text{GeO}_2 + \text{Na}_2\text{O} \to \text{Na}_2\text{GeO}_3 GeO2+Na2O→Na2GeO3Explain, in terms of their acid-base properties, why germanium dioxide reacts with sodium oxide.
Part of the giant macromolecular structure of germanium dioxide is shown in the diagram below.
What does particle A represent? Give a reason for your answer.
Explain, in terms of its bonding and structure, why germanium dioxide has a very high melting point.
