Which of the following forms a solid with non-directional covalent bonds?
A) neon
B) chlorine
C) copper
D) carbon
E) selenium
At what temperature?
I assume you mean room temperature.
I think the answer you are looking for is carbon; however, the "non-directonal covalent bond" bothers me.
To determine which substance forms a solid with non-directional covalent bonds, we need to understand the nature of covalent bonds and the properties of the substances listed.
Covalent bonds occur when two atoms share electron pairs. In non-directional covalent bonds, the sharing of electrons is fairly equal between the atoms, resulting in a lack of polarity and the formation of a solid structure.
Let's analyze each option:
A) Neon (Ne): Neon is a noble gas, which means it exists as individual atoms. Noble gases have weak intermolecular forces and mostly exist as gases at room temperature. Therefore, neon does not form a solid structure with covalent bonds.
B) Chlorine (Cl): Chlorine is a diatomic molecule, consisting of two chlorine atoms covalently bonded together. While chlorine can form a solid structure, it is actually a molecular solid rather than a solid with non-directional covalent bonds. The intermolecular forces between chlorine molecules are weak dispersion forces.
C) Copper (Cu): Copper is a metallic element. Metals form solid structures with metallic bonds, where the electrons are delocalized and can move freely throughout the solid. Metallic bonds are not considered non-directional covalent bonds.
D) Carbon (C): Carbon is capable of forming a variety of structures, including covalent network solids. One example is diamond, where each carbon atom forms strong covalent bonds with four adjacent carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. This results in a solid structure with non-directional covalent bonds. Therefore, carbon (option D) forms a solid with non-directional covalent bonds.
E) Selenium (Se): Selenium is an element that can form different structures, but it typically forms covalent compounds rather than covalent network solids. These compounds usually have directional covalent bonds, rather than the non-directional covalent bonds found in network solids like diamond. Therefore, selenium does not form a solid with non-directional covalent bonds.
In conclusion, the substance that forms a solid with non-directional covalent bonds is carbon (option D).