Which ion is silicate?

Which ion is silicate?

• A. SiO3^2-
• B. SiO2
• C. SiO4^4-
• D. Si2O3^2-

Answer: (A)

Silicate ions are formed when silicon in the +4 oxidation state bonds to oxide ions, and the overall charge reflects balancing those charges. With three oxide ions, Si gives a total of +4, while three O^2− contribute −6, so the net charge is −2. That matches the SiO3^2− ion, which is the common silicate ion described in many contexts. SiO2 is neutral and is a molecular oxide, not an ion. SiO4^4− would be an orthosilicate ion with a different stoichiometry and a −4 charge, representing another silicate species, while Si2O3^2− does not correspond to the typical silicate unit. Therefore SiO3^2− best fits the usual silicate ion.

Silicate ions are formed when silicon in the +4 oxidation state bonds to oxide ions, and the overall charge reflects balancing those charges. With three oxide ions, Si gives a total of +4, while three O^2− contribute −6, so the net charge is −2. That matches the SiO3^2− ion, which is the common silicate ion described in many contexts. SiO2 is neutral and is a molecular oxide, not an ion. SiO4^4− would be an orthosilicate ion with a different stoichiometry and a −4 charge, representing another silicate species, while Si2O3^2− does not correspond to the typical silicate unit. Therefore SiO3^2− best fits the usual silicate ion.