Giant Covalent Structures
This section covers various giant covalent structures, which are important topics in GCSE Chemistry structure and bonding questions.
Alloys
Highlight: Alloys are harder than pure metals because they contain different sized atoms, preventing layers from sliding over each other easily.
Diamond
Properties of diamond include:
- Very hard structure due to each carbon atom forming 4 covalent bonds
- High melting and boiling points
- Does not conduct electricity
Graphite
Graphite has unique properties:
- High melting and boiling points
- Soft and slippery texture
- Conducts electricity and thermal energy
Example: Graphite's ability to conduct electricity is due to its structure, where only three of the four carbon electrons are used in bonds, leaving one free to move.
Graphene
Graphene is a modern material with interesting properties:
- One atom thick sheet of carbon atoms in hexagonal arrangement
- Excellent conductor of electricity
Fullerenes
Fullerenes have distinctive properties:
- Molecules of carbon shaped like closed tubes or hollow balls
- Large surface area, making them useful as catalysts and lubricants
- Can cage other molecules
- Low melting and boiling points
- Cannot conduct electricity or thermal energy
Nanotubes
Nanotubes are an important topic in modern materials science, with unique properties that make them valuable for various applications.
Highlight: The study of nanotubes and other nanomaterials is a growing field in chemistry and materials science, with potential applications in electronics, medicine, and energy storage.
