Which of the following properties are typical characteristics of a covalent- network solid, a metallic solid, or both: (a) ductility, (b) hardness, (c) high melting point?

Short Answer

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Ductility is a typical characteristic of metallic solids. Hardness is a typical characteristic of covalent-network solids. High melting points is a characteristic of both covalent-network solids and metallic solids, with covalent-network solids usually having a higher melting point.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the properties of covalent-network solids and metallic solids.

Covalent-network solids are composed of atoms bonded through a network of covalent bonds. They have strong, directional bonds leading to hard and often brittle materials with high melting points. Metallic solids, on the other hand, are formed by metal atoms held together by a "sea of delocalized electrons" or metallic bonds. These materials exhibit characteristics such as ductility, malleability, and good electrical conductivity.
02

Evaluate ductility as a characteristic property.

Ductility is the ability of a substance to be stretched or drawn into a wire without breaking. Metallic solids are ductile due to the presence of delocalized electrons allowing the atoms to slide past one another. On the other hand, covalent-network solids are not ductile, as their directional and strong covalent bonds make them brittle. So, ductility is a typical characteristic of metallic solids.
03

Evaluate hardness as a characteristic property.

Hardness is the resistance of a material to deformation or scratching. Covalent-network solids are generally hard materials due to their directional and strong covalent bonds making them resistant to deformation. Metallic solids can have varying degrees of hardness, depending on the specific metal and its crystal structure. However, hardness cannot be considered a distinguishing characteristic for metallic solids. Thus, hardness is a typical characteristic of covalent-network solids.
04

Evaluate high melting point as a characteristic property.

A high melting point is an indication of strong bond strength within a material. Covalent-network solids have high melting points due to their strong covalent bonds. Metallic solids also generally have high melting points as metallic bonds are strong, but the melting points are typically lower compared to covalent-network solids. So, a high melting point is a characteristic of both covalent-network solids and metallic solids, although it is more prominent in covalent-network solids. To sum up, using our analysis of the three given properties: Ductility is a typical characteristic of metallic solids. Hardness is a typical characteristic of covalent-network solids. High melting points is a characteristic of both covalent-network solids and metallic solids, with covalent-network solids usually having a higher melting point.

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