GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Giant Covalent Structures

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Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances

Giant Covalent Structures

3:24 Properties of Polymers and Giant Covalent Structures
Spec 4.2.2.6 4.2.2.1
Previous Polymers & Covalent Bonds Next Properties of Metals
  • Different types of covalent structures exist, such as water and diamond.
  • Water has a simple covalent structure, while diamond has a giant covalent structure.
  • Giant covalent structures consist of a large number of non-metal atoms bonded together.
  • Diamond is an example of a giant covalent structure made entirely of carbon atoms.
  • Atoms in giant covalent structures are bonded by strong covalent bonds.
  • Many giant covalent structures are made of carbon, including diamond and graphite.
  • Silicon dioxide (silica) is another example of a giant covalent structure, forming solid crystals.
  • Silicon dioxide is made from silicon atoms covalently bonded to oxygen atoms.
  • Silicon dioxide turns into glass when heated and is used in glass products.
  • Giant covalent structures are solids with very high melting and boiling points.
  • Silicon dioxide has a melting point of 1,710��C and a boiling point of 2,230��C.
  • High melting and boiling points are due to the need to overcome strong covalent bonds.
  • A lot of energy is required to break these bonds in giant covalent structures.
  • This is different from substances with simple covalent structures, like water, where only weak intermolecular forces need to be broken.

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