Network Covalent Forces
Being very unique forces, only three elements in the periodic table can produce molecules that exhibit this type of attractive force: Carbon, Silicon, and Boron. Carbon forms two very common structures as a network solid, graphite and diamond. While both being covalent compounds, their structures have drastically different properties. For example, graphite is used to write while diamond is used to cut and drill. If graphite comes apart that easily, how can it be a network covalent compound?
The answer is that the individual sheets of graphite are held together with very weak forces. However, the forces that hold a single sheet together are extremely strong. An individual sheet of graphite is almost as hard to break as diamond.
The answer is that the individual sheets of graphite are held together with very weak forces. However, the forces that hold a single sheet together are extremely strong. An individual sheet of graphite is almost as hard to break as diamond.
Diamond is the strongest naturally occurring substance formed
by network covalent bonds.
by network covalent bonds.