Module 3- Covalent Structures/ Carbon Allotropes Flashcards
What is a giant covalent lattice??
Atoms in a solid held in a lattice by covalent bonds
3 main features of DIAMOND and explanations for them
High melting point- each carbon makes 4 strong covalent bonds that require lots of energy to break
Doesn’t conduct electricity- no free electrons to carry charge
Insoluble in water- no opportunity for bonds to form with H2O
What are allotropes??
Different forms of the same element
What structure is carbon graphite??
Layers of carbon arranged at 120 degrees to eachother (trigonal planar)
Why is graphite soft??
Weak intermolecular forces between carbon layers
Why does graphite still have a high melting point despite its layer structure??
The covalent bonds between the carbons in each layer are still very strong
Why can graphite conduct electricity??
Each carbon only makes 3 covalent bonds, leaving spare electrons that are delocalised and can carry charge through the structure
