Name the giant covalent structures.

Name the giant covalent structures.

• A. Diamond, Graphite, Silicon Dioxide
• B. Diamond, Graphite
• C. Silicon Dioxide, Quartz
• D. Diamond, Silicon Dioxide

Answer: (A)

Giant covalent structures are solids where atoms are linked by covalent bonds in a continuous three‑dimensional network, forming one huge, interwoven lattice. This explains why they have very high melting points and are typically hard and rigid. Diamond and graphite are both forms of carbon and each forms a giant covalent network, but with very different structures: in diamond every carbon is tetrahedrally bonded to four others, creating an extremely strong, rigid three‑D framework; in graphite, carbon atoms bond strongly within layered planes, while only weak forces hold the layers together, giving a different set of properties. Silicon dioxide also forms a network where silicon and oxygen atoms are covalently bonded throughout the structure, as seen in quartz, producing a high melting point and a solid, rigid lattice. These three—diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide—are classic examples of giant covalent structures, so they collectively name the set of such networks. If only two were given, one would miss another true example; and using quartz is simply another name for silicon dioxide, so listing both wouldn’t broaden the set.

Giant covalent structures are solids where atoms are linked by covalent bonds in a continuous three‑dimensional network, forming one huge, interwoven lattice. This explains why they have very high melting points and are typically hard and rigid.

Diamond and graphite are both forms of carbon and each forms a giant covalent network, but with very different structures: in diamond every carbon is tetrahedrally bonded to four others, creating an extremely strong, rigid three‑D framework; in graphite, carbon atoms bond strongly within layered planes, while only weak forces hold the layers together, giving a different set of properties. Silicon dioxide also forms a network where silicon and oxygen atoms are covalently bonded throughout the structure, as seen in quartz, producing a high melting point and a solid, rigid lattice.

These three—diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide—are classic examples of giant covalent structures, so they collectively name the set of such networks. If only two were given, one would miss another true example; and using quartz is simply another name for silicon dioxide, so listing both wouldn’t broaden the set.