Chapter 21, Problem 21.110SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To explain why silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) is more brittle than a metal like copper.Silicon nitride, a high-temperature ceramic useful for making engine components, is a covalent network solid in which each Si atom is bonded to four N atoms and each N atom is bonded to three Si atoms.

Concept introduction:

Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic, non-molecular solids, including both crystalline and amorphous materials. Ceramics have higher melting points, they are stiffer, harder, and more resistant to wear and corrosion than are metals.

To explain:

Why silicon nitride ( ${\text{Si}}_{\text{3}}{\text{N}}_{\text{4}}$ ) is more brittle than a metal like copper