How do you know from a chemical formula if it's molecular or covalent? For example, SO2 is a molecular solid but diamond is a covalent solid, so what's the difference?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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How do you know from a chemical formula if it's molecular or covalent? For example, SO2 is a molecular solid but diamond is a covalent solid, so what's the difference?

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Introduction

A molecular solid is a type of solid state material composed of molecules held together by intermolecular forces. They can be ionic or covalent and are typically formed from small molecules or polymers. The intermolecular forces consist of van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, and other weaker attractive forces. The structure of a molecular solid is typically organized in a lattice arrangement, with each molecule having a regular arrangement about a lattice point. 

A covalent solid is a type of solid material composed of atoms that are held together by covalent bonds. Covalent solids are typically strong, insoluble in water, and have relatively low melting points. Examples of covalent solids include diamond, quartz, and graphite. Other examples of common covalent solids include silicon dioxide, carbon dioxide, and boron nitride. Covalent solids form when atoms share electrons in a covalent bond. This type of bonding creates a strong, rigid structure that is difficult to deform or break.

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