Chemistry / Unit 8 Chem 1460 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Covalent Network Solids
Captions available
The idea
A covalent network solid is held by a continuous three-dimensional network of covalent bonds spanning the entire crystal.
In practice
Diamond, a covalent carbon network, is among the hardest known substances and melts only above 3500 °C.
Where people slip
Melting one means breaking actual covalent bonds throughout, not overcoming intermolecular attraction — why these solids are so hard.
Your place on the trail
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