Explain why Silicon Dioxide has a higher melting point than Sulfur Trioxide.

Silicon Dioxide has a macromolecular/giant covalent structure which means it has covalent bonds between all atoms in its structure. Sulfur Trioxide has a simple molecular structure meaning it has Van der Waals forces between molecules.
Covalent bonds are much stronger than Van der Waals forces and so require much more energy to overcome, and this leads to the higher melting point observed in silicon dioxide as melting requires the overcoming of forces between atoms/molecules.

Answered by Holly T. Chemistry tutor

10656 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the electron arrangement for a Co atom?


A compound is found to contain 30.7% Sulfur, 23,3% Magnesium and 46% Oxygen. What is the empirical formula of the compound?


Relationship between moles and Avogadro's constant


When going down group 1 on the periodic table, what happens to reactivity?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy