Concept:Silica is a covalent network solid because its atoms are linked by strong covalent bonds throughout the structure.
Explanation:Silica is chemically silicon dioxide,
SiO2​.
Each silicon atom forms four strong covalent bonds with oxygen atoms.
Each oxygen atom is shared between two silicon atoms.
This creates a giant three-dimensional covalent network.
There are no discrete molecules or mobile ions in this structure.
Therefore, silica is classified as a covalent solid, not an ionic, molecular, or metallic solid.
Answer:Option C: Covalent.