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Simple molecular and giant lattice structures question

Hello, I am a bit confused with the structures of elements and identifying them. How do I know if an element has a simple molecular structure or a giant lattice structure??? I know that sulfur's got a simple molecular formula, but carbon's got a giant lattice structure. Hence sulfur has a lower melting point than carbon.

Thanks a lot :smile::smile::smile:
Giant lattice is the same as giant ionic isn't it? Ionic/lattice is with metals bonded to non-metals like NaCl.
Covalent's between non-metals and non-metals. I think only Carbon and Silicon do giant molecular (for AS levels anyway), otherwise it will be simple molecular.

Hope that's right!
Original post by jellybean1234
Giant lattice is the same as giant ionic isn't it? Ionic/lattice is with metals bonded to non-metals like NaCl.
Covalent's between non-metals and non-metals. I think only Carbon and Silicon do giant molecular (for AS levels anyway), otherwise it will be simple molecular.

Hope that's right!


elements cannot form ionic lattices
Original post by krisshP
Hello, I am a bit confused with the structures of elements and identifying them. How do I know if an element has a simple molecular structure or a giant lattice structure??? I know that sulfur's got a simple molecular formula, but carbon's got a giant lattice structure. Hence sulfur has a lower melting point than carbon.

Thanks a lot :smile::smile::smile:


You just gotta learn them ...

B, C, Si Giant covalent (although carbon also forms fullerenes)
Metals = metallic
non-metals = simple molecular
noble gases = atomic
Original post by charco
elements cannot form ionic lattices


They can can't they?
Original post by jellybean1234
They can can't they?


No, only compounds can have ionic lattices
Original post by charco
No, only compounds can have ionic lattices


Non metals bonded to metals like NaCl are giant ionic lattices, no?
Original post by jellybean1234
Non metals bonded to metals like NaCl are giant ionic lattices, no?


yes, and they're called compounds.
Well that's what I was saying in the first place.
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krisshP
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Original post by charco
You just gotta learn them ...

B, C, Si Giant covalent (although carbon also forms fullerenes)
Metals = metallic
non-metals = simple molecular
noble gases = atomic


thanks a lor this short and excellent answer! :smile:

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