Ionic Compounds, Simple Molecular Substances, Giant Covalent Structures, and Polymers in GCSE Chemistry
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Chemistry
1 Dec 2025
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isobel :] @frogfriend
Ionic Compounds, Simple Molecular Substances, Giant Covalent Structures, and Polymers in GCSE Chemistry
This document covers key concepts... Show more

This page delves into the characteristics of simple molecular substances, giant covalent structures, and polymers, highlighting their unique properties and structural differences.
Simple molecular substances have distinct properties due to their molecular structure
Strong Intramolecular Bonds
Weak Intermolecular Forces
Low Melting and Boiling Points
Physical State at Room Temperature
Size-Dependent Properties
Electrical Conductivity
Example Water (H2O) is a simple molecular substance. It has strong covalent bonds within each molecule but weak hydrogen bonds between molecules, resulting in relatively low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds.
Giant covalent structures have unique properties due to their extensive network of covalent bonds
Extensive Bonding
High Melting and Boiling Points
Electrical Conductivity
Examples
- Diamond Each carbon atom forms 4 covalent bonds in a rigid structure
- Graphite Carbon atoms form three covalent bonds creating hexagonal layers
- Silicon Dioxide (Silica) Forms sand grains, each a giant structure of silicon and oxygen
Polymers are large molecules formed from repeating units
Structure
Bonding
Physical State
Boiling Points
Vocabulary Monomers are the small, repeating units that make up a polymer.
Highlight The properties of polymers, such as their strength and flexibility, can be tailored by altering the type and arrangement of monomers, making them versatile materials for various applications in everyday life.

Ionic compounds are characterized by their unique structural arrangement known as an ionic lattice. This structure plays a crucial role in determining the properties of these compounds.
Definition An ionic lattice is a regular, three-dimensional arrangement of positively and negatively charged ions held together by strong electrostatic forces.
The ionic lattice structure is typically represented using two types of models
Ball and Stick Model
Space-Filling Model
Highlight The strong electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions in an ionic lattice contribute significantly to the properties of ionic compounds.
Properties of Ionic Compounds
High Melting and Boiling Points
Electrical Conductivity
Solubility
Example Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a classic example of an ionic compound. In its solid form, it doesn't conduct electricity, but when dissolved in water or melted, it becomes an excellent conductor due to the mobility of its ions.
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Explore the fundamentals of covalent bonding, including the formation of covalent bonds, types of substances created, and their structural characteristics. This summary covers key concepts such as simple molecular substances, giant covalent structures, and provides visual aids like dot and cross diagrams. Ideal for students studying chemical bonding.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure in this comprehensive summary, covering key concepts such as electron configuration, atomic number, atomic mass, and historical atomic models. Ideal for GCSE Chemistry students, this resource provides a clear understanding of atomic particles and their arrangement in the periodic table.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, elements, and compounds. Learn techniques for separating mixtures such as filtration, crystallization, and distillation. This summary covers key concepts in atomic theory and the development of the atomic model, ideal for students preparing for exams.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure and bonding, including atomic numbers, mass numbers, ionic and covalent bonds, and the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts essential for understanding chemical properties and compound formation. Ideal for chemistry students preparing for exams.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, electron configurations, and the organization of the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts such as atomic bonding, states of matter, and the distinction between elements, compounds, and mixtures. Ideal for students studying Chemistry and Biology.
Explore the fundamental concepts of elements, isotopes, and relative atomic mass in this detailed summary. Learn how isotopes differ, the significance of atomic mass units (amu), and how to calculate the relative atomic mass using real examples like chlorine. Ideal for chemistry students seeking clarity on these essential topics.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
isobel :]
@frogfriend
Ionic Compounds, Simple Molecular Substances, Giant Covalent Structures, and Polymers in GCSE Chemistry
This document covers key concepts in GCSE chemistry, focusing on the structures and properties of various types of compounds. It explores ionic lattice structures, simple molecular... Show more

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This page delves into the characteristics of simple molecular substances, giant covalent structures, and polymers, highlighting their unique properties and structural differences.
Simple molecular substances have distinct properties due to their molecular structure:
Strong Intramolecular Bonds:
Weak Intermolecular Forces:
Low Melting and Boiling Points:
Physical State at Room Temperature:
Size-Dependent Properties:
Electrical Conductivity:
Example: Water (H2O) is a simple molecular substance. It has strong covalent bonds within each molecule but weak hydrogen bonds between molecules, resulting in relatively low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds.
Giant covalent structures have unique properties due to their extensive network of covalent bonds:
Extensive Bonding:
High Melting and Boiling Points:
Electrical Conductivity:
Examples:
- Diamond: Each carbon atom forms 4 covalent bonds in a rigid structure
- Graphite: Carbon atoms form three covalent bonds creating hexagonal layers
- Silicon Dioxide (Silica): Forms sand grains, each a giant structure of silicon and oxygen
Polymers are large molecules formed from repeating units:
Structure:
Bonding:
Physical State:
Boiling Points:
Vocabulary: Monomers are the small, repeating units that make up a polymer.
Highlight: The properties of polymers, such as their strength and flexibility, can be tailored by altering the type and arrangement of monomers, making them versatile materials for various applications in everyday life.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ionic compounds are characterized by their unique structural arrangement known as an ionic lattice. This structure plays a crucial role in determining the properties of these compounds.
Definition: An ionic lattice is a regular, three-dimensional arrangement of positively and negatively charged ions held together by strong electrostatic forces.
The ionic lattice structure is typically represented using two types of models:
Ball and Stick Model:
Space-Filling Model:
Highlight: The strong electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions in an ionic lattice contribute significantly to the properties of ionic compounds.
Properties of Ionic Compounds:
High Melting and Boiling Points:
Electrical Conductivity:
Solubility:
Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a classic example of an ionic compound. In its solid form, it doesn't conduct electricity, but when dissolved in water or melted, it becomes an excellent conductor due to the mobility of its ions.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
30
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the fundamentals of covalent bonding, including the formation of covalent bonds, types of substances created, and their structural characteristics. This summary covers key concepts such as simple molecular substances, giant covalent structures, and provides visual aids like dot and cross diagrams. Ideal for students studying chemical bonding.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure in this comprehensive summary, covering key concepts such as electron configuration, atomic number, atomic mass, and historical atomic models. Ideal for GCSE Chemistry students, this resource provides a clear understanding of atomic particles and their arrangement in the periodic table.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, elements, and compounds. Learn techniques for separating mixtures such as filtration, crystallization, and distillation. This summary covers key concepts in atomic theory and the development of the atomic model, ideal for students preparing for exams.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure and bonding, including atomic numbers, mass numbers, ionic and covalent bonds, and the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts essential for understanding chemical properties and compound formation. Ideal for chemistry students preparing for exams.
Explore the fundamentals of atomic structure, including subatomic particles, electron configurations, and the organization of the periodic table. This summary covers key concepts such as atomic bonding, states of matter, and the distinction between elements, compounds, and mixtures. Ideal for students studying Chemistry and Biology.
Explore the fundamental concepts of elements, isotopes, and relative atomic mass in this detailed summary. Learn how isotopes differ, the significance of atomic mass units (amu), and how to calculate the relative atomic mass using real examples like chlorine. Ideal for chemistry students seeking clarity on these essential topics.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user