Exploring Covalent Solids: Silicon Carbide

What is a covalent solid and which one is an example of it?

Among the following options, which one is a covalent solid?

Answer:

Final answer: Silicon carbide, SiC, is a covalent solid among the given options.

Explanation: Among the options given, the covalent solid is silicon carbide, SiC. A covalent solid, also known as a network solid, is a type of solid element or compound where the atoms are bonded by covalent bonds in a continuous network. Silicon carbide fits this classification because it has a repeating lattice made up of SiC units. This is different from substances like nickel, which is a metal, or sucrose and sulfur trioxide which are molecular compounds, or ammonium chloride which is ionic.

Covalent solids, such as silicon carbide, have strong covalent bonds holding their atoms together. These solids typically have high melting points and are non-conductive, as the electrons are localized between the atoms instead of free to move throughout the structure like in metals.

Covalent solids are characterized by their strong directional bonds, which form a continuous network throughout the structure. This type of bonding gives covalent solids their unique properties and makes them distinct from other types of solids.

In summary, silicon carbide, SiC, is an example of a covalent solid due to its continuous network of covalent bonds and strong directional bonding.