Carbon forms millions of compounds whereas silicon, which is just below it in the Periodic Table, forms a few compounds. Explain the reason for the difference in their ability to form compounds

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Carbon forms millions of compounds whereas silicon, which is just below it in the Periodic Table, forms a few compounds. Explain the reason for the difference in their ability to form compounds

Class 10Science

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digitalvishal355

Carbon forms millions of compounds because it has small atomic size, therefore, it forms strong and stable C–C bonds, showing extensive catenation. Silicon, being larger in size, forms weaker Si–Si bonds and cannot show catenation to the same extent, so it forms fewer compounds.