Chemistry – Atoms, elements and compounds - Giant covalent structures | e-Consult
Atoms, elements and compounds - Giant covalent structures (1 questions)
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Silicon(IV) oxide (\$SiO_2\$) exists as a giant covalent structure. Each silicon atom is covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. Each oxygen atom is then covalently bonded to two silicon atoms. This creates a three-dimensional network of strong covalent bonds extending throughout the entire crystal.
Bonding: The bonds are strong covalent bonds, formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. The tetrahedral arrangement maximizes the number of covalent bonds per atom, contributing to the overall strength of the structure.
Properties arising from the structure:
- High melting point: A large amount of energy is required to break the many strong covalent bonds in the network.
- High hardness: The strong covalent bonds make the structure very rigid and resistant to scratching.
- Electrical insulator: There are no free electrons available to conduct electricity. All electrons are involved in covalent bonding.
- Insoluble in water: Water molecules cannot disrupt the strong covalent network.
- Poor conductor of heat: Energy is transmitted through vibrations of the covalent bonds, not through the movement of free electrons.