Giant Covalent: Key concepts in chemistry: Chemistry: GCSE (9:1)

Giant structure

A three-dimensional network of atoms or ions

Lattice

Regular arrangement of particles.

Giant covalent structure

A huge 3D network of covalently bonded atoms

Bonding in giant covalent structures

Covalent bonding

Covalent bond

A shared pair of electrons

States of giant covalent substances at room temperature

Solid

Melting points of giant covalent substances

Very high

Bonds broken when giant covalent structures are melted

Covalent bonds

Examples of giant covalent structures

Diamond, graphite, silicon dioxide

Reason for giant covalent structure's high melting point

Many strong covalent bonds require lots of energy to break

Solubility of giant covalent substances

Insoluble

Formula of silicon dioxide

SiO2