How many monovalent oxygen atoms are present in the mineral kinoite (Ca2Cu2Si3O102H2O)? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: In silicates, the basic structural units are SiO4 tetrahedra. Step 2: If a tetrahedron shares three of its corner oxygen atoms with adjacent tetrahedra, only one corner oxygen remains unshared (monovalent) and carries a negative charge. Step 3: This sharing of three oxygen atoms per tetrahedral unit generates a two-dimensional sheet structure, which is classified as a sheet silicate (option a).