Network Solid Definition in Chemistry

What Is a Network Solid?

Collection of diamonds
Diamonds are an example of network solids.

Jesper Hilding Klausen, Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 08, 2019

A network solid is a substance made up of an array of repeating covalently bonded atoms. Network solids are also known as covalent network solids. Because of the way atoms are arranged, a network solid may be considered a type of macromolecule. Network solids may be either crystals or amorphous solids.

Network Solid Examples

Close-up of rough diamond next to cut diamond
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Atomic Solid Definition
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Diamonds are network solids made of carbon atoms. Quartz is a network solid made of continuous SiO2 subunits. A silicon crystal is another example, consisting of Si atoms.

Network Solid Properties

The covalent bonding lends network solids characteristic properties:

  • Generally insoluble in any solvent
  • Very hard
  • High melting point
  • Low electrical conductivity in the liquid phase
  • Variable electrical conductivity in the solid phase (depends on bonding)

Source

  • Zumdahl, Steven S.; Zumdahl, Susan A. (2000). Chemistry (5 ed.). Houghton Mifflin, pp. 470–6. ISBN 0-618-03591-5.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Network Solid Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-network-solid-605396. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 29). Network Solid Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-network-solid-605396 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Network Solid Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-network-solid-605396 (accessed April 26, 2024).