What Are Giant Chemical Structures

Learn the basics about the differences between different chemical structures, including giant covalent, giant ionic and metallic structures. There are numerous materials and substances that possess giant chemical structures. Some are common: like the grains of sand on the beach; the microprocessors in our computers; the graphite in our pencils, the magnesium oxide found in the cement on our buildings; the salt we put on our food; the metals found almost everywhere; and the precious gemstone diamond. These substances are vastly different and this is due to the bonding and the arrangements of chemicals atoms, or ions. Sand, graphite, and diamond are all examples of giant covalent structures. The bonding between the atoms is covalent, but the arrangements of the atoms can be different.