Cambridge IGCSE · Chemistry (0620)

Giant covalent structures: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Giant covalent structures.

10 questions28 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which statement correctly matches a giant covalent structure with its use and the property that makes it suitable for that use?

Question 2

1 mark

Silicon(IV) oxide, \( SiO_2 \), and diamond both have giant covalent structures.
Which statement correctly describes the bonding in silicon(IV) oxide?

Question 3

1 mark

Diamond and silicon(IV) oxide, \( \text{SiO}_2 \), share several physical properties. Which property is not common to both structures?

Question 4

1 mark

Graphite is used as a lubricant in machinery. Which structural feature of graphite accounts for this property?

Question 5

1 mark

Which statement correctly explains why graphite conducts electricity while silicon(IV) oxide does not?

Question 6

4 marks

Compare the structures of diamond and silicon(IV) oxide (\(SiO_2\)) by stating the number of covalent bonds formed by each carbon atom and each silicon atom in their respective lattices.

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Question 7

5 marks

Explain, in terms of structure and bonding, why silicon(IV) oxide, \( \text{SiO}_2 \), has a very high melting point even though its formula might suggest it is a simple molecule.

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Question 8

4 marks

Describe the similarity in the bonding and tetrahedral structure between diamond and silicon(IV) oxide, \( SiO_{2} \).

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Question 9

5 marks

Graphite is an allotrope of carbon that has many industrial applications.
a) Describe the bonding within the layers of graphite.
b) Explain why graphite is used as a lubricant.
c) Explain why graphite can be used as an electrode in electrolysis.

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Question 10

5 marks

Silicon(IV) oxide, \(SiO_2\), is a major component of sand and is used to make glass.
a) Describe the arrangement of atoms in the giant lattice of silicon(IV) oxide, specifically mentioning the number of bonds for each silicon and oxygen atom.
b) State one property of silicon(IV) oxide that is similar to diamond and explain this similarity in terms of bonding.

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