2.3.4

Metals & Giant Covalent Structures

Test yourself

Giant Covalent Structures

Some non-metals form giant structures with atoms joined together by covalent bonds. These giant covalent structures have the following properties:

Illustrative background for No specific formulaIllustrative background for No specific formula ?? "content

No specific formula

  • Giant covalent structures don't have a specific formula because the structure can be any size.
  • In theory, they can continue forever - a diamond may have 50,000 or 1,000,000,000 carbon atoms.
Illustrative background for Very high melting pointsIllustrative background for Very high melting points ?? "content

Very high melting points

  • The strong covalent bonds between atoms make them solids at room temperature.
  • High temperatures and significant energy are required to break the structure's covalent bonds.
Illustrative background for 1 large moleculeIllustrative background for 1 large molecule ?? "content

1 large molecule

  • Giant covalent structures exist as 1 large structure or molecule.
  • There are no intermolecular forces because there is only 1 molecule.

Pure Metals

Pure metals have giant structures with strong electrostatic forces between positive ions and delocalised electrons. All of the ions are the same size and these ions are arranged in layers. Pure metals have the following properties:

Illustrative background for High melting and boiling pointsIllustrative background for High melting and boiling points ?? "content

High melting and boiling points

  • There are strong electrostatic forces between the positive metal ions and the negative delocalised electrons.
  • This means that metals have high melting and boiling points.
Illustrative background for Soft and malleableIllustrative background for Soft and malleable ?? "content

Soft and malleable

  • Because the ions are arranged in layers, they easily move over each other when a force is applied.
  • This means that pure metals are soft and malleable.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson