Chapter SM, Problem 3PQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of solid that is soft, a poor conductor of heat and electricity and has a low melting point has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Crystalline solids can be classified as follows:

1. Ionic solids: As is evident from its name, ionic compounds are made up of ions. These ions have opposite charges on them. The one with positive charge is called cation while the other with negative charge is known as an anion.

2. Metallic solids: Such solids have metallic bonds in between them. These bonds result from the interaction between positively charged atoms and free electrons of the same metal. These are formed between metal atoms.

3. Covalent solids: Such solids are also known as network solids. These solids have covalent bonds between them. Since covalent bonds are present in ionic solids, these share electrons between the bonded atoms.

4. Molecular solids: Van der Waals forces exist between molecular solids. These forces are quite weak as compared to the other forces. These have low melting points and these are very soft in nature.