AP Chemistry Flashcards: Properties of Solids
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 19 cards to help you master important concepts.
Why do covalent network solids like diamond have extremely high melting points?
They have high melting points because melting requires breaking strong covalent bonds throughout the entire network, which demands a large amount of energy.
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Why do covalent network solids like diamond have extremely high melting points?
They have high melting points because melting requires breaking strong covalent bonds throughout the entire network, which demands a large amount of energy.
In large biomolecules like proteins, what determines the molecule's specific three-dimensional shape?
In biomolecules and polymers, noncovalent interactions (IMFs) between different parts of the molecule dictate its specific molecular shape.
What structural feature allows metallic solids to be excellent conductors of heat and electricity?
The mobility of their delocalized valence electrons allows them to transfer charge and kinetic energy efficiently throughout the solid.
A substance has very strong intermolecular forces. What can be predicted about its boiling point and vapor pressure?
The substance will have a high boiling point and a low vapor pressure because significant energy is required to overcome its strong IMFs.
Solid iodine (I₂) sublimes easily at room temperature, while table salt (NaCl) has a melting point of 801°C. Classify each solid and explain the difference.
Iodine is a molecular solid with weak IMFs, requiring little energy to break apart. NaCl is an ionic solid with strong electrostatic forces, requiring immense energy to melt.
How does the process of vaporization (boiling) affect the intermolecular forces in a substance?
Vaporization is the process of completely overcoming the intermolecular forces within a liquid, allowing particles to escape into the gas phase.
Why are particulate-level representations useful in chemistry?
Particulate-level representations are useful for communicating and visualizing how intermolecular forces between particles give rise to observable macroscopic properties.
Why is the shape of a biomolecule, such as an enzyme, so important?
The shape of a biomolecule is crucial for its function, as it determines how it interacts with other molecules.
Why do molecular solids typically have low melting points and not conduct electricity?
Their low melting points are due to the weak IMFs that hold the molecules together, and they do not conduct electricity because they lack mobile charged particles.
What factors at the particulate level determine properties like boiling point and melting point?
The melting point and boiling point of a substance are determined by the strength and types of intermolecular forces (IMFs) between its particles.
Molecular Solid
A solid composed of discrete, individual molecules held together in a lattice by relatively weak intermolecular forces, leading to low melting points.
Explain the fundamental relationship between a substance's macroscopic properties and its particulate-level structure.
The macroscopic properties of a substance are determined by its particulate-level structure and the strength of the interactions (like IMFs) between its particles.
Compare the physical properties of a 3D covalent network solid (like diamond) to a 2D one (like graphite).
Three-dimensional network solids like diamond are typically very hard, while 2D layered solids like graphite are soft because the layers can slide past one another.
Metallic Solid
A solid composed of metal atoms held together by metallic bonds, characterized by mobile electrons that allow for high conductivity, malleability, and ductility.
Ionic Solid
A type of solid characterized by high melting/boiling points and brittleness, which conducts electricity only when its ions are mobile (molten or dissolved).
Covalent Network Solid
A solid in which atoms are held together by covalent bonds in a continuous three-dimensional network or two-dimensional layers, resulting in very high melting points.
Under what two conditions can an ionic solid like NaCl conduct electricity?
An ionic solid can conduct electricity only when its ions are mobile, which occurs when it is in a molten (liquid) state or dissolved in a solution.
Why are metals malleable and ductile?
The mobile sea of electrons allows metal cations to slide past one another without breaking the metallic bonds, preventing the solid from shattering under stress.
Alloy
A solid substance, typically formed by mixing two or more metals, that retains metallic properties like conductivity. Alloys can be interstitial or substitutional.