Silicon, the element, is the heart of integrated circuits and computer chips in almost all of our electronic devices. Si has the same structure as diamond; each atom is singly bonded to four neighbors. Unlike diamond, silicon has a tendency to oxidize (to SiO₂, another extended solid) if exposed to air.

(a) Estimate the enthalpy of reaction for the conversion of 1 cm³ of silicon into SiO₂.

(b) Unlike carbon, silicon rarely forms multiple bonds. Estimate the bond enthalpy of the Si=Si bond, assuming that the ratio of the Si=Si double bond enthalpy to that of the Si—Si single bond is the same as that for carbon–carbon bonds.