Distinguish small molecules, polymers and giant covalent structures from bonding diagrams.

In the subtopic Covalent bonding, this learning objective focuses on distinguish small molecules, polymers and giant covalent structures from bonding diagrams. Within Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic, students should explain this idea in the exact curriculum context rather than as an isolated fact. Approved keywords for this objective include small molecule, polymer, and giant covalent structure. small molecule means a molecule consisting of a small number of atoms covalently bonded together. Avoid students often confuse small molecules with giant covalent structures, thinking they have similar properties; instead to fix this, students should focus on the differences in bonding and structure: small molecules have weak intermolecular forces, while giant covalent structures have strong covalent bonds throughout. For exam answers, practice identifying small molecules, polymers, and giant covalent structures from bonding diagrams, focusing on the arrangement of atoms and types of bonds.