properties of simple moleculular structures

Question 1

properties of giant covalent structures

Answer 1

• consist of a lattice of atoms all covalently bonded together to form one giant molecule held together by very strong covalent bonds
• high melting and boiling points - because of the strong covalent bonds
• poor conductors of electricity - except graphite (contains delocalised electrons)
• the rest have localised electrons which are not free to move through the structure

Question 2

properties of SMC

Answer 2

• low melting point and boiling point because of the weak intermolecular forces between the compounds which require less energy to overcome
• poor conductor of heat and electricity because there are no free ions or delocalised electrons
• solubility depends on whether they are polar or non polar