Can sodium chloride be categorised as a giant molecular structure

In summary, a giant molecular structure is a type of chemical structure made up of a large number of atoms bonded together through covalent bonds. This sets it apart from other types of structures, such as ionic or metallic structures. Sodium chloride cannot be considered a giant molecular structure, as it is an ionic compound. Some examples of giant molecular structures include diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide. These structures can greatly influence the properties of materials, leading to high melting and boiling points, hardness and strength, and low electrical and thermal conductivity.
  • #1
mutineer123
93
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I was attempting this question where I had to say which, out of graphite, diamond and sodium chloride represent a giant molecular structure? The answer is only the first two. Why is the latter excluded?
 
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  • #2
What kind of bonds keeps atoms together in each crystal?
 
  • #3
covalent in first,ionic in last
 
  • #4
Stemming from that, a molecule is defined as two or more atoms covalently bonded. By definition, ionic bonds are excluded.
 
  • #5


Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, cannot be categorized as a giant molecular structure because it does not have a continuous network of covalent bonds. Giant molecular structures, such as graphite and diamond, have a large number of atoms bonded together in a repeating pattern, forming a strong and stable structure. However, in sodium chloride, the bonding is ionic, meaning that the atoms are held together by electrostatic attractions rather than covalent bonds. This results in a crystal lattice structure rather than a continuous network. Therefore, sodium chloride does not exhibit the same properties as giant molecular structures and is not considered as one.
 

1. What is a giant molecular structure?

A giant molecular structure is a type of chemical structure in which a large number of atoms are bonded together through covalent bonds to form a single molecule. These structures are typically made up of repeating units, giving them a large and complex size.

2. How is a giant molecular structure different from other types of structures?

Giant molecular structures are different from other types of structures, such as ionic or metallic structures, because they are made up of covalent bonds rather than ionic or metallic bonds. This means that the atoms in a giant molecular structure are held together by sharing electrons, rather than by transferring or pooling electrons.

3. Can sodium chloride be considered a giant molecular structure?

No, sodium chloride cannot be categorised as a giant molecular structure. It is an ionic compound, meaning that it is made up of positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions held together by electrostatic forces. This type of bonding is different from the covalent bonding found in giant molecular structures.

4. What are some examples of giant molecular structures?

Some examples of giant molecular structures include diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide (quartz). These structures are made up of repeating units of carbon or silicon atoms bonded together by strong covalent bonds.

5. How do giant molecular structures affect the properties of materials?

Giant molecular structures can have a significant impact on the properties of materials. Because of their large and complex structures, they tend to have high melting and boiling points, as well as high levels of hardness and strength. These structures also typically have low electrical and thermal conductivity due to the strong covalent bonds holding the atoms together.

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