AP Chemistry
3.2 Properties of Solids
3.1 Intermolecular and Interparticle Forces
A student compares the scratch hardness and cleavage behavior of three crystalline solids. Cleavage is observed when a sharp blow causes a solid to split along flat, repeating surfaces.
Which of the following best explains the hardness and cleavage results?
| Solid | Approximate Mohs hardness | Observation after a sharp blow | Structural description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond, \(\text{C(s)}\) | 10 | Flat surfaces form along certain orientations | Each \(\text{C}\) atom is covalently bonded to four other \(\text{C}\) atoms in a three-dimensional network. |
| Quartz, \(\text{SiO}_2\text{(s)}\) | 7 | Irregular surfaces form without cleavage | Covalent \(\text{Si}-\text{O}\) bonds extend throughout a three-dimensional framework without distinct layers. |
| Graphite, \(\text{C(s)}\) | 1–2 | Thin, flat sheets separate readily | Strong covalent bonds connect \(\text{C}\) atoms within each sheet, and London dispersion forces act between sheets. |
Which of the following best explains the hardness and cleavage results?
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