Polymers and Giant Covalent Structures

Question 1

What are Polymers?

Answer 1

Polymers are long chains of repeating Units

All atoms are joined by strong covalent bonds.

To find molecular formula write down molecular formula of the repeating unit, and put an ‘n’ outside.

So for poly(ethene), the molecular formula of the polymer is (C2H4)n

The intermolecular forces between polymer molecules are larger than between simple covalent molecules, so more energy is needed to break them. This means most polymers are solid at room temperature

Question 2

What are Giant Covalent Structures?

Answer 2

All atoms are bonded to each other by strong covalent bonds

They have very high melting and boiling points as lots of energy is needed to break the covalent bonds between the atoms.

They don’t contain charged particles, so they don’t conduct electricity

Question 3

What are some main examples of Giant Covalent Structures?

Answer 3

Diamond and Graphite, which are both made from Carbon atoms only, and silicon dioxide (silica).