Silica Secrets Unveiled Exploring Properties, Reactions, and Applications

Silica is chemically inert due to strong SIO bonds, requiring high energy for reactions. It reacts with hydrofluoric acid to form silicon tetrafluoride and hydrofluorosilicic acid. Silica is acidic, reacting with bases like sodium hydroxide to form sodium silicate. When heated with carbon, it forms silicon carbide, a very hard substance. Quartz, a form of silica, exhibits the piezoelectric effect, releasing electric charge under pressure, and is used in clocks and broadcasting.

What is the reason silica shows no reactions with halogens and other acids?

Describe the reaction of silica with hydrofluoric acid.

What is formed when silicon dioxide reacts with sodium hydroxide?

Explain the piezoelectric effect observed in quartz.

What are some applications of quartz in technology?