I notice the term in the EdExcel International syllabus "giant atomic structures"
It says "the physical properties of giant atomic structures"
Is this a term for a Covalent Network where the formula is just one atom?
So Diamond, Carbon, Graphite. Not something molecular like S8 or O2 or H2O or C60, and not something ionic like NaCl. And not a covalent network compound like SiO2.
Is this just a term they're using 'cos they don't want to say Carbon is molecular and they want to distinguish it from something that is molecular like O2, or from covalent network compounds as those consist of more than one element
Silicon would be an example like Carbon. Covalent Network where the formula is just the one atom. (though might not be in A level)
I have seen EdExcel Pearson use the phrase "giant metallic", as does Cambridge International syllabus. Some include giant ionic.
I know the term "giant" is more of a UK pre uni phrase. Coming up in GCSE and A level.
Perhaps for "giant atomic", they are including metals eg Gold, Silver. Metals in A level that aren't mixtures/alloys, just have a formula of one atom.
So perhaps they are referring to Diamond/Graphite/Graphene, and Metals?
And excluding e.g the "giant structure" Silicon Dioxide?
