Here's why:
* Ionic Bonding: In ionic bonding, one atom (typically a metal) loses electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), while another atom (typically a non-metal) gains electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). These oppositely charged ions then attract each other, forming an ionic compound.
* Covalent Bonding: In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Silicon dioxide is a covalent compound because silicon and oxygen share electrons to form a strong covalent bond.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
