giant covalent structures Flashcards
what are examples of giant covalent molecules
sand diamond and graphite
how many atoms in these molecules
millions
what are the melting points of giant covalent molecules
high because alot of energy to break the strong bonds
what is the structure of diamond
carbon atoms bonded covalently to 4 others
it has no mobile ions and is very hard
what is the structure of graphite
carbon atoms are bonded to 3 others.
this means there are 1 spare electron per carbon atom
it exists as layers of interlocking hexagons
what are the bonds between layers and within layers like
within layers the bonds are strong but between they are weak
what can layers of graphite do
slide over one another
why does having a spare electron mean graphite can conduct electricity
the spare electrons are delocalised and can move around carrying charge throughout the structure
