Preview. Author: Created by klimek81. In this chapter we explore the structures of the two best known giant covalent structures, diamond and graphite. Giant Structure: contains a huge number of atoms or ions arranged in a particular way but the number of particles is not fixed, the ratio might be fixed but not in all cases. Basically, we can divide chemical structures into two types. Substances with giant covalent structures have very high melting points, because a lot of strong covalent bonds must be broken. In addition, we explore the electrical properties of carbon atoms in layer structures such as graphite, and how these electrical properties are essential in understanding the surfaces of such crystals and the interaction of large polynuclear aromatic molecules.
Macromolecules show variable conductivity. Diamond, graphite and graphene are forms of carbon with different giant covalent structures. Simple molecular substances and giant covalent structures have different properties. This page decribes the structures of giant covalent substances like diamond, graphite and silicon dioxide (silicon(IV) oxide), and relates those structures to the physical properties of the substances. Giant covalent structures KS4 (for New AQA C2.2.3) 4.8 11 customer reviews. Created: Jul 4, 2016. A power point made for my middle ability year 10 for the new AQA C2.2.3 Please like or leave me a comment if you find this resource useful. The giant covalent structure of diamond. Properties of giant covalent structures (Macromolecules) Very high melting points. Giant structure occurs in ionic and covalent compounds. Giant covalent substances have many atoms joined together by covalent bonds. The 4th electron becomes delocalised and these electrons produce weak van der Waals forces between the layers. Each bond consists of a shared pair of electrons, and is very strong. Carbon has an electronic arrangement of 2,4. Covalent bonds form between non-metal atoms. Both have a giant covalent structure. Graphite has layers of carbon atoms that can slide over each other easily. Metals also have a giant chemical structure, whether the metal is pure or an alloy.
Each carbon only forms 3 covalent bonds to create a layer. Variable conductivity . The structure of diamond. Read more. For example graphite has a melting point of more than 3,600ºC.