4. Properties of giant covalent compounds

Available for over a year

In this episode, Dr Sunayana Bhargava and Tulela Pea explore the properties of giant covalent structures including diamond, graphite and polymers such as polythene. Suitable for: AQA, Edexcel, OCR. For more information on properties of giant covalent compounds, check out the BBC Bitesize website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zgq8b82/revision/1 Key learning objectives discussed in this episode include: - Some covalently bonded substances have very large molecules, such as polymers. - Polymers have very large molecules. The atoms in the polymer molecules are linked to other atoms by strong covalent bonds. The intermolecular forces between polymer molecules are relatively strong and so these substances are solids at room temperature. - Students should be able to recognise polymers from diagrams showing their bonding and structure. - Substances that consist of giant covalent structures are solids with very high melting points. All of the atoms in these structures are linked to other atoms by strong covalent bonds. These bonds must be overcome to melt or boil these substances. Diamond and graphite (forms of carbon) and silicon dioxide (silica) are examples of giant covalent structures.