Classify each solid as a covalent, ionic, metallic, or molecular solid? Diamond, frozen carbon dioxide, pure sodium, and sodium sulfide

1 Answer
Aug 18, 2017

Diamond possesses a NON-MOLECULAR covalent network.

Explanation:

#CO_2(s)# is molecular, with the individual molecules held together by (weak) dispersion forces.

Sodium exhibits metallic bonding; i.e. positive ions in an electron sea, which gives rise to demonstrable malleability and ductility. (You can deform sodium metal with gloved hands!). Note that sodium, like all metals, is a NON-MOLECULAR material.

And sodium sulfide is also non-molecular, ionic solid composed of individual #2xxNa^+# and #S^(2-)# ions held together by strong electrostatic interaction between the positive and negative ions.