The Atmosphere

(a) Describe examples of giant covalent (network) structures,

such as diamond and silicon(IV) oxide; explain differences in the physical properties of CO2 and SiO2 in terms of their different structures?

Diamond:                                                     

·         Made up of carbon atoms.

·         Each carbon atom is joined tetrahedrally to four other carbon atoms by strong covalent bonds.

·         Strong c-c bonds and highly symmetrical network make diamond the hardest naturally occurring structure.

Silicon (IV) Oxide:

·         Silicon bonds covalently to four oxygen atoms.

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