Question

Which of the following types of solids may contain highly electronegative atoms? Select all that apply. a) Ionic solids b) Metallic solids c) Covalent network solids d) Molecular solids

Answer 1

The types of solids that may contain highly electronegative atoms are:

a) Ionic solids: Ionic solids are composed of positively and negatively charged ions held together by electrostatic forces. Highly electronegative atoms tend to attract electrons and form negatively charged ions in ionic compounds.

c) Covalent network solids: Covalent network solids are held together by an extensive network of covalent bonds. Highly electronegative atoms, such as carbon in diamond (C), oxygen in quartz (SiO₂), or silicon in silicon carbide (SiC), can form strong covalent bonds and create a three-dimensional lattice structure.

d) Molecular solids: Molecular solids consist of discrete molecules held together by intermolecular forces. While individual molecules in molecular solids may not contain highly electronegative atoms, these solids can still contain highly electronegative elements in their chemical composition (e.g., fluorine in solid HF).

b) Metallic solids: Metallic solids are composed of a lattice structure of positively charged metallic cations immersed in a sea of delocalized electrons. While metallic solids typically do not contain highly electronegative atoms, they can still incorporate small amounts of electronegative impurities or alloying elements. However, highly electronegative atoms are not a defining characteristic of metallic solids.

So, the correct answers are a) Ionic solids, c) Covalent network solids, and d) Molecular solids.

Answer 2

Highly electronegative atoms may be present in covalent network solids (c) and molecular solids (d).

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionic Solids (a): Ionic solids are composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces. They typically involve a metal and a non-metal. While non-metals may be electronegative, the term "highly electronegative" is more applicable to covalent compounds.

Metallic Solids (b): Metallic solids consist of a lattice of positive metal ions with delocalized electrons. Highly electronegative atoms are not typically found in metallic solids.

Covalent Network Solids (c): Covalent network solids, such as diamond or quartz, involve a network of covalently bonded atoms. Highly electronegative atoms like oxygen or carbon can form such solids.

Molecular Solids (d): Molecular solids consist of discrete molecules held together by intermolecular forces. Highly electronegative atoms can be part of these molecules.

Option C and D are the answers.