Question

What is the primary constituent of sand?

(a) Silicon tetroxide

(b) Silica

(c) Silicon

(d) Feldspar

This question was posed to me in a job interview.

This is a very interesting question from P-Block Elements topic in division P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Silica

To explain I would say: Sand is primarily composed of silicon dioxide, also called silica. Silicon tetroxide is not a compound but an oxo-anion of silicon. Silicon metal does not form native in nature and feldspar is a mineral ore consisting of several tectosilicate compounds.