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WalesChemistryQuick questions
Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure and Physical Chemistry
Quick questions on Solid structures - WJEC A-Level Chemistry
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is predicting properties from structure?Show answer
A reliable approach to any "explain the property" question is to identify the structure first, then reason from the forces involved. High melting point points to strong bonding throughout a giant structure; low melting point to weak intermolecular forces in a simple molecular solid. Electrical conduction requires mobile charge carriers, so ask whether there are free electrons (metals, graphite) or free ions (molten or dissolved ionic solids). Solubility in water suggests an ionic or polar molecular solid.
What are silicon dioxide in glass and electronics?Show answer
is a giant covalent solid with a very high melting point and great hardness, used in glass, sandpaper and as the insulating layer in silicon chips. Metallic bonding and alloys. The delocalised electron model explains why metals conduct and are malleable, and why alloying (mixing ion sizes) hardens them by disrupting layer sliding, central to materials engineering.
What is q1?Show answer
State the type of structure present in solid iodine. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why magnesium has a higher melting point than sodium. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why simple molecular solids have low melting points. [1 mark]
What is q4?Show answer
Explain why graphite is soft and slippery. [1 mark]
What is q5?Show answer
State the property you would test to distinguish a metallic solid from a giant ionic solid. [1 mark]
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