Wednesday 29 May 2013

Shapes of Molecules

The shapes of molecules are the last clue for helping determine molecular polarity:

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Lewis Diagrams

Lewis Diagrams and Structures are very useful for helping us predict molecular polarity.







Answers to today's examples:


NOTE: Some of the dots/crosses representing electrons are unclear. Please save the image onto your computer and enlarge it to see the details.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Substance Type Overview


It is very important to understand that "Matt" is not an attractive force, so please do not use it as an answer in assessments.

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Monday 20 May 2013

Molecular Solids

Molecular Solids have some characteristic properties:
  • low m.p./b.p.
  • electrical and thermal insulators
  • often brittle
These properties need to be explained in terms of the forces between the molecules (particles). These forces are called van der Waal's forces. Before we can understand these, we need to understand molecular polarity, which requires us to understand intra-molecular bonding (covalent), shapes and electron cloud size.




Tuesday 14 May 2013

Covalent Networks

With Mr Nicoll away, we had to make our own summary about the structure and characteristic properties of covalent network solids. This group includes diamond, graphite and silica (glass).

Diamond


Silica: Red = Oxygen; Blue = Silicon


Monday 13 May 2013

Metallic Solids

Most elements are metals. Metals have some characteristic properties which can be explained by the metallic bond and the structure of metals in their solid state:


  1. Electrical Conductivity
  2. Thermal Conductivity
  3. Malleability/Ductility
  4. Relatively High m.p (except Hg)