Q8 of 18 Page 226

Predict the reasons for low melting point for covalent compounds when compared with ionic compound.

Melting point depends on the force of attraction between molecules and atoms of compounds or elements.


In case of covalent compounds there exists weak vander-waal forces


between molecules. So, lower temperatures are sufficient to break these bonds. But ionic compounds contain strong electrostatic forces which need high energy to break, demanding high melting temperatures. Some exceptions in covalent materials exist like diamond, graphite which demand high melting temperature because of their giant complex structure.


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