Giant Covalent Structures Flashcards
In giant covalent bonds how are the atoms bonded together
Strong covalent bonds
Why do they have very high melting and boiling points
A lot of energy is needed to break the covalent bonds between the atoms
What are the examples of giant covalent structures
Diamond
Graphite
Silicon dioxide
How many covalent bonds do each carbon atom in diamond form
4
How many covalent bonds do each carbon atom in graphite form
Each carbon atom forms 3 covalent bonds-layers of hexagons
Each carbon atom also has 1 delocalised electron
What is silicon dioxide made of
Giant structure of silicon and oxygen
Why does diamond have a high melting point
Strong covalent bonds- a lot of energy is needed to break the bonds
Why doesn’t diamond conduct electricity
No free electrons
What makes graphite soft
No covalent bonds between the layers - free to mover over each other
Why has graphite got a high melting point
Loads of energy needed to break the bonds
