giant covalent structures

• What are giant covalent structures held together by?

  Strong covalent bonds
• Why do giant covalent structures have very high melting and boiling points?

  Lots of energy is needed to break bonds
• Do giant covalent structures conduct electricity?

  No, they don't conduct electricity
• How many covalent bonds does each carbon atom form in diamond?

  Four covalent bonds
• What structure do carbon atoms form in graphite?

  Layers of hexagons
• What is a unique feature of carbon atoms in graphite?

  Each has one delocalised electron
• What is silicon dioxide commonly called?

  Silica
• What is each grain of sand made of?

  One giant structure of silicon and oxygen
• What must happen to melt or boil a giant covalent structure?

  Break very strong covalent bonds
• What are the boiling points of diamond and graphite like?

  Very high
• What are the characteristics of giant covalent structures?

  • All atoms bonded by strong covalent bonds
  • Very high melting and boiling points
  • Do not conduct electricity
  • Examples include diamond, graphite, and silica