Moderate

Molecular crystals are:

Correct answer: C. Soft

  • A. Hard
  • B. Very hard
  • C. Soft
  • D. Always polar

Explanation

Option C is correct.Molecular crystals are soft. Molecular crystals are held together by weak intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. These forces are much weaker than the ionic and covalent bonds that hold together ionic and covalent crystals. As a result, molecular crystals are much softer than ionic and covalent crystals. For example, ice is a molecular crystal that is made up of water molecules. The water molecules in ice are held together by hydrogen bonds. These hydrogen bonds are weak, so ice is a soft solid that can be easily crushed.

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About Ionic and Molecular Crystals

Ionic crystals contain oppositely charged ions held by electrostatic forces, whereas molecular crystals contain discrete molecules joined by weaker intermolecular forces. Their structures explain differences in melting point, hardness, volatility, solubility and electrical conductivity, especially between solid and molten states.

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