covalent bonds Flashcards
What is a covalent bond
The strong electrostatic attraction between a pair of shared electrons and/of a/the positive nuclei
What types of atom do covalent bonds form between
Non-metals
What is a use of diamond
Drill tips / cutting glass
Does diamond conduct electricity
No - no ions and no delocalised electrons
Describe graphite (giant covalent)
Arranged in layers/rows and each carbon atom is bonded to 3 others
What is a use of graphite
Solid lubricant
Is graphite hard or soft
Soft - layers can slide over each other
Explain why graphite can conduct electricity
Each carbon atom is bonded to 3 other carbon atoms - has a spare electron therefore it has delocalised electrons which can move - therefore can conduct electricity
Is diamond soft or hard
Hard - each carbon atom is bonded to 4 carbon atoms
