Define Giant covalent structures.

Define Giant covalent structures.

Giant covalent structures:

The great variety of life on Earth depends on carbon's ability to form covalent bonds with itself.

As the element, carbon atoms can bond to millions of other carbon atoms in both diamond and graphite.

The atoms are arranged in a giant covalent structure. Some people call this a giant molecular or macromolecular structure.

Another substance with a giant covalent structure is silica. Its chemical name is silicon dioxide (SiO2).

It melts at over 1500 °C.

Substances with giant covalent structures are not soluble in water.

Their particles are not charged (unlike ionic compounds). Water molecules are not attracted to them. They don't conduct electricity in any state.

There are no free ions or electrons to carry the charge.

                                       Class Assessment

1.  carbon atoms can bond to millions of other carbon atoms in both diamond and graphite. T

2.  Silicon dioxide (SiO2) melts at over 500 °C. F

3.  Variety of life on Earth depends on -------------.
a) electron
b) carbon
c) both

4.  Substances with giant covalent structures are not soluble in ------------.

a) base
b) acid
c) water

5. The mutual sharing of electrons, is called a covalent bond. T