covalent bonding + simple covalent molecules + giant covalent structures

ALL BONDS ARE STRONG

what does covalent bonding occur between?

non-metals which share electrons

what are simple covalent molecules?

• small structures with a fixed number of atoms

• joined by covalent bonds

what are examples of simple covalent molecules?

• H2 (hydrogen)

• O2 (oxygen)

• CH4 (methane)

• Cl2 (chlorine)

• N2 (nitrogen)

• H2O (water)

• HCl (hydrogen chloride)

can simple covalent molecules conduct electricity?

no - there are no charged particles that move through the structure

are simple covalent molecules insoluble?

some are insoluble

describe the melting and boiling points of simple covalent molecules:

• low melting points

  • not their covalent bonds that are broken

  • weak intermolecular forces / forces between molecules that are overcome

• as the molecules get bigger = the strength of the intermolecular forces increase

  • more energy is needed to break them

  • higher melting/boiling points

what is a giant covalent lattice?

a macromolecule

what is an example of a giant covalent lattice?

• SiO2 (silicon dioxide)

• graphite

• diamond

what are the melting/boiling points of giant covalent lattices?

• very high melting/boiling point

  • lots of energy to break the strong covalent bonds

do giant covalent lattices conduct electricity?

• no charged particles

• do not conduct electricity in molten or solid form

  • except for graphite!!