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mutineer123
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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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.