Giant Molecular Strucutre

Question 1

Describe the structure in graphite

Answer 1

• each C is covalently bonded to three other C atoms using three of the valence electrons
• 4th is available for pi bond

Question 2

Describe the structure of diamond

Answer 2

-each C atom is covalently bonded to other 4 carbon atom in a 3D tetrahedral arrangement

Question 3

4 physical properties of graphite

Answer 3

1. High MP
   - a large amt of energy is required to overcome the strong covalent bond bt C atoms within the layer
2. Good conductor of electricity
   - delocalised electrons
3. Soft and slippery
   -weak attraction bt layers
   => slide past when one another is rubbed
4. Insoluble in water
   - ion-dipole interactions does not release sufficient energy to overcome the large amt of strong C-C covalent bonds