Giant Covalent Structures
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.3.7
Giant Covalent Structures
Some non-metals form giant structures with atoms joined together by covalent bonds. These giant covalent structures have the following properties:
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.
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.
1 large molecule
- Giant covalent structures exist as 1 large structure or molecule.
- There are no intermolecular forces because there is only 1 molecule.
Test yourself on Giant Covalent Structures
Why do giant covalent structures have very high melting points?
Why do giant covalent structures not have a specific chemical formula?
Why do giant covalent structures have no intermolecular forces?
Why can two diamonds contain very different numbers of carbon atoms, for example 50,000 compared with 1,000,000,000?