Giant covalent structures Flashcards
What is the structure of diamond?
A giant covalent lattice structure
What is a giant covalent structure?
They form huge networks of atoms held together by strong covalent bonds.
What are the properties are substances with giant covalent structures?
- They have very high melting points and boiling points
- They are insoluble in water
- Apart from graphite, they are hard and do not conduct electricity
Why is graphite soft and slippery?
In graphite, carbon is bonded to 3 other carbon atoms. They form hexagons, which are arranged in giant layers. There are no covalent bonds between the layers, only weak intermoleculars, so the layers can slide over each other.
Why can graphite conduct electricity?
Carbon atoms have four outer electrons so when they make the 3 bonds in graphite, this leaves 1 spare outer electron on each carbon atom so these mobile electrons can move freely along the layers of the layers of atoms. These mobile electrons are called DELOCALISED ELECTRONS.
