What is a covalent crystal, Science

Assignment Help:

What is a covalent crystal?

A covalent crystal is one in which the lattice structure is held together by powerful covalent bonds. These crystals tend not to be soluble in water and have a much higher bond strength than ionic crystals. For example, silica, SiO2, does not dissolve in water and has a high melting point. Silica is what glass is made out of. Imagine trying to make a glass out of salt crystals; it would dissolve before you could drink a glass of water out of it! Solubility is a major difference between covalent and ionic crystals.

Diamonds are a great example of how strong the bonds in a covalent crystal can be. The lattice structure of diamonds produces the hardest known substance in the universe.

To complicate things, the vast majority of complex minerals are a combination of ionic and covalent bonds. These crystals will not be discussed in depth in this lesson, but it is important to know that this third category exists, and it is the largest category of minerals and crystals. If you observe the complex formulas of many minerals, like muscovite, which is KAl3Si3O10(OH)2, you will see that it is not so cut and dry what type of bond is holding these atoms together. Is this a covalent or ionic mineral? The answer is: it is both.


Related Discussions:- What is a covalent crystal

Calculate the maximum channel capacity, The Maximum theoretical limit of ch...

The Maximum theoretical limit of channel is governed by Nyquist theorem, which says Bth = 2 x freq in hertz x log2L ( where L = number of level) Thus we have in this case Bth= 2x60

Explain the types of sedimentary rocks, Explain the Types of sedimentary ro...

Explain the Types of sedimentary rocks? What is a sedimentary rock? The word sedimentary is derived from the Latin word sedimentum which means "settling", which refers to a so

Which type of rock is critical for the formation of geysers, Which type of ...

Which type of rock is critical for the formation of geysers? Liquid rock is required for geysers to type in the form of what is known as magma - which is the geological name fo

Experminet of a simple siphon, Normal 0 false false false ...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Useful instruction for attending to emergency situations, Useful Instructio...

Useful Instruction : In the table given below, you can find references to the locations of materials related to this exercise. You are advised to go through these materials to und

A floating experiment with different kinds of wood, A floating experiment w...

A floating experiment with different kinds of wood Secure a cork, and pieces of wood like as maple, mahogany and ebony. Place them in a pan of water and notice how every one be

Communication revolution, Communication Revolution: It is in this bac...

Communication Revolution: It is in this background, that communication revolution is being ushered in ou:  country. In the recent years, the rural people who have access to T

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd