Types of Covalent Structures
This page discusses the different types of substances that can be formed through covalent bonding, including simple molecular substances and larger structures like polymers and giant covalent structures.
Simple molecular substances are compounds composed of small molecules held together by strong covalent bonds within the molecule, but weak intermolecular forces between molecules.
Example: 10 examples of covalent bonds in simple molecular substances include chlorine, water, ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and ethanol.
These weak intermolecular forces make simple molecular substances easy to separate, affecting their physical properties such as low melting and boiling points.
Larger covalent structures include polymers and giant covalent structures:
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Polymers are long chains made up of repeating units called monomers. They are used in various applications such as plastic bags and t-shirts.
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Giant covalent structures examples include silicon dioxide, diamond, and graphite. These structures are characterized by their strength and unique properties.
Highlight: Properties of giant covalent structures include high melting points, hardness, and in some cases, the ability to conduct electricity.
Understanding the different types of covalent structures is crucial for predicting and explaining the properties of various materials in chemistry and materials science.
Vocabulary: Intermolecular forces are the weak attractions between separate molecules in simple molecular substances.
The study of these structures often involves the use of various models to represent molecular arrangements and bonding.
Definition: A ball and stick model is a type of molecular model where atoms are represented by spheres (balls) and bonds by rods (sticks), providing a clear visualization of molecular structure and bond angles.
