Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry · Syllabus 0620 · Atoms, Elements and Compounds
Giant covalent structure
What is Giant covalent structure?
A structure in which a very large number of atoms are joined by strong covalent bonds into one continuous network, rather than into separate small molecules. Melting such a substance requires many strong covalent bonds to be broken, so giant covalent substances have very high melting points and are usually hard. Diamond and graphite are the two examples every candidate needs; Extended candidates add silicon(IV) oxide.
This definition is part of the Atoms, Elements and Compounds chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.