Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Physical: Solid State

Question:

Molecules are constituent particles of molecular solids. Identify the molecular solid amongst the following:

Options:

\(SO_2\)

C

Fe

NaCl

Correct Answer:

\(SO_2\)

Explanation:

A molecular solid is a type of solid in which the constituent particles are molecules held together by intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonds. In contrast, non-molecular solids are made up of atoms or ions held together by strong covalent or ionic bonds. Let's analyze the options:
1. \(SO_2\) (Sulfur Dioxide): \(SO_2\) is a molecular compound consisting of molecules composed of one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms (\(SO_2\)). These molecules are held together by covalent bonds. Therefore, \(SO_2\) is a molecular solid.
2. \(C\) (Carbon): Carbon exists in various forms, including graphite and diamond. Graphite is a molecular solid in which carbon atoms are bonded together to form sheets of hexagonal rings. Each sheet is a single layer of carbon atoms (graphene) held together by van der Waals forces. Therefore, graphite is a molecular solid.
3. \(Fe\) (Iron): Iron is a metallic element and forms metallic solids. In metallic solids, the constituent particles are metal atoms that are held together by metallic bonds, not molecules. Therefore, \(Fe\) is not a molecular solid.
4. \(NaCl\) (Sodium Chloride): \(NaCl\) is an ionic compound composed of sodium ions (\(Na^+\)) and chloride ions (\(Cl^-\)). In ionic solids like \(NaCl\), the constituent particles are ions held together by strong ionic bonds, not molecules. Therefore, \(NaCl\) is not a molecular solid.
So, the molecular solid among the options is: 1. \(SO_2\) (Sulfur Dioxide)