What is a key characteristic of giant covalent lattices?

Giant covalent lattices are characterized by a vast network of atoms interconnected by strong covalent bonds. This extensive bonding arrangement requires significant amounts of energy to break the bonds during a phase change, such as melting or boiling. As a result, one of the defining features of giant covalent lattices is their very high boiling points. Materials like diamond and silicon dioxide exhibit this characteristic, leading to their stability and durability at high temperatures.

In contrast, other options reflect properties that do not align with giant covalent structures. For instance, substances that have good electrical conductivity typically consist of metallic bonding or networks with delocalized electrons, which is not the case for giant covalent lattices that usually do not conduct electricity. Similarly, low melting points and soft, malleable structures are typically associated with molecular compounds or metallic substances rather than the robust, hard structures characteristic of giant covalent lattices.