Covalent Structures Flashcards
What are the two types of covalent substances?
Simple molecular substances and giant covalent structures.
What are simple molecular substances?
Small molecules of several atoms with weak forces of attraction that have shared electrons.
What are the properties of simple molecular substances?
Low melting and boiling points (molecules are easily separated), most are gases or liquids at room temperature, don’t conduct electricity (no ions = no electrical charge).
What are giant covalent structures?
Macromolecules, no charged ions as electrons are shared, all the atoms are bonded with strong covalent bonds.
What are the properties of giant covalent structures?
Apart from graphite, they don’t conduct electricity, high melting and boiling points.
What are some examples?
Diamond and graphite (both made from only carbon atoms) and silicon (silica).
