The silicate anion in the mineral kinoite is a chain of three SiO4 tetrahedra, that share corners wi — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: A chain of three SiO4 tetrahedra sharing corners has two shared oxygen vertices. Step 2: This gives a chemical formula of Si3O10^n- for the trisilicate anion. Step 3: Calculating the charge of [Si3O10]^n-: 3(+4) + 10(-2) = -8. Thus, the charge on this silicate anion is -8, corresponding to option (b).