Question
Question: What are giant molecules?...
What are giant molecules?
Solution
Hint: As the name suggests, when a large number of molecules are combined giant molecules are formed and these also known as macromolecules and polymers.
Complete step by step answer:
Giant molecules also termed as a covalent lattice. It is a three-dimensional structure of atoms bound together by covalent bonds.
Let us see the examples of Giant molecules:
Silicon (Si), Silicon dioxide (SiO2), diamonds, and graphite are four examples of giant molecules. Diamond and graphite come under the category of element carbon forms. These two are allotropes of Carbon because they exist in the same physical state.
Carbon and Silicon are present in group IV of the periodic table. Therefore, they are having four valence electrons and form covalent bonds with non-metal atoms. These Carbon and Silicon of diamond and graphite cannot lose or gain electrons to form free ions.
Additional information:
Diamonds which is the hardest known material relative to other materials.
1- Its hardness depends on the crystalline perfection, orientation, and its purity.
2- Diamonds do not react with any chemical reagent at room temperature.
3- Graphite is present in the crystalline form of element carbon arranged in hexagonal structures.Under the standard condition, it is the most stable form of carbon.
4-The individual layers of graphite are called Graphene.
5-There are two forms of graphite alpha (hexagonal) and beta (rhombohedral) which are having the same physical properties.
Note: Remember, don’t confuse simple molecules with giant molecules because simple molecules are made up of one or two elements or few atoms and held together by chemical bonds. Whereas, giant molecules are covalently bonded substances containing a huge number of atoms.