Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry · Spec 1.49-1.51
Giant Covalent Structures
Giant covalent structures such as diamond, graphite and silicon dioxide.
Chemistry revision video
Giant Covalent Structures
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Spec 1.49-1.51
What you need to know
- Describe the structures of diamond and graphite
- Explain their properties from those structures
- Recognise C sixty, a fullerene
Active recall
Quick check
Answer each question before opening the answer.
Compare the structure and properties of diamond and graphite.
Diamond — each carbon bonded to 4 others, very hard, does not conduct. Graphite — each carbon bonded to 3 in layers that slide (soft, lubricant), and has delocalised electrons so it conducts.
Why do giant covalent structures have very high melting points?
They have many strong covalent bonds that need a lot of energy to break.
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