Simple molecular substances are made up of two or more atoms covalently bonded together to form a distinct unit.

Scientists use models to represent parts of the natural world that are too difficult to observe or explain directly.

Intermolecular forces are weak forces of attraction between molecules and molecular substances.

A giant covalent substance has a large regular arrangement of atoms all joined together by covalent bonds.

Using models to explain state changes

Chemistry

Bonding to carbon atoms

Diamond and graphite

Graphene and fullerenes

Discovery and uses of carbon nanostructures

Hydrocarbons

Bonding, structure and properties

Nanoparticles

In the Organic Chemistry unit, pupils will build on their knowledge of carbon chemistry to explore the vast array of natural and synthetic organic compounds and their applications.

In the Structure and Bonding unit, pupils learned about different types of chemical bonding and how these bonds affect the properties of substances.

This unit explores how material properties relate to bonding, bond strength, and structure, focusing on carbon compounds like diamond, graphite, and graphene. It covers nanoparticles, their uses and risks, surface area calculations, scale comparisons, and model representation techniques.

Chemistry of carbon

Which properties of diamond are explained by the fact that each carbon atom is strongly bonded to four other carbon atoms in a rigid structure?

What type of forces hold simple molecules together?

One model of graphite shows it having free moving, delocalised electrons. This means graphite is an electrical {{}}?

doesn't conduct electricity as every atom is strongly bonded to others

hexagonal rings of carbon atoms, arranged in layers

made of simple molecules with low melting and boiling points

Match each substance to the correct statement about it's structure and/or properties.

distinct units made up of two or more atoms covalently bonded

represent parts of the natural world that are too difficult to observe

weak forces of attraction between molecules

large regular arrangement of atoms all joined by covalent bonds

Match the key words to their definitions.

[a] covalent substances have [b] melting points as they're held together by strong covalent bonds. [c] covalent substances have [d] melting points as there are weak forces between molecules.

Below, there are six different models for representing the bonding and structure in the compound ethane. Match the image to the correct type of model.

What do the dots and crosses typically represent in dot-and-cross diagrams?

it does not indicate the actual number of atoms

it does not provide any spatial information

it serves as a step towards determining the molecular formula

Which of the following are limitations of the empirical formula when representing molecules?

Which model would not be appropriate to represent the bonding and/or structure in metals?

It shows the actual size of atoms more accurately.

It clearly shows which atoms/ions have bonded.

It is easier to see the overall shape of the substance.

It is more accurate in depicting electron sharing.

What advantage does the ball-and-stick model have over the space-filling model?

Which representation is most suitable for illustrating the arrangement of ions in a giant ionic lattice?

Starter Quiz

Below, there are six different models for representing the bonding and structure in the compound ethane. Match the image to the correct type of model.