How many of the following are Covalent network solids ?
`S_(8)`, Bronze, `SiO_(2)`, Diamond, `ZnSO_(4)`, Si, AlN, SiC, `CO_(2)`

Answer

To determine how many of the given substances are covalent network solids, we need to analyze each substance based on its bonding structure. Covalent network solids are characterized by a continuous network of covalent bonds, forming a giant structure.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the substances**: The substances given are: `S_(8)`, Bronze, `SiO_(2)`, Diamond, `ZnSO_(4)`, Si, AlN, SiC, `CO_(2)`.

2. **Analyze each substance**:
- **`S_(8)`**: This is a molecular solid consisting of discrete S8 molecules. It does not form a continuous network. **Not a covalent network solid.**
- **Bronze**: An alloy primarily made of copper and tin. It has metallic bonding and does not form a covalent network. **Not a covalent network solid.**
- **`SiO_(2)`**: Silicon dioxide forms a three-dimensional network of silicon and oxygen atoms bonded covalently. **Covalent network solid.**
- **Diamond**: A form of carbon where each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a three-dimensional network. **Covalent network solid.**
- **`ZnSO_(4)`**: Zinc sulfate is an ionic compound composed of zinc ions and sulfate ions. **Not a covalent network solid.**
- **Si**: Silicon forms a covalent network solid where silicon atoms are bonded in a continuous network. **Covalent network solid.**
- **AlN (Aluminum Nitride)**: This compound has a covalent network structure where aluminum and nitrogen atoms are bonded in a continuous network. **Covalent network solid.**
- **SiC (Silicon Carbide)**: This compound also has a covalent network structure with silicon and carbon atoms bonded in a continuous network. **Covalent network solid.**
- **`CO_(2)`**: Carbon dioxide consists of discrete molecules (linear arrangement of carbon and oxygen) and does not form a continuous network. **Not a covalent network solid.**

3. **Count the covalent network solids**: From the analysis, the covalent network solids identified are:
- `SiO_(2)`
- Diamond
- Si
- AlN
- SiC

Thus, there are a total of **5 covalent network solids**.

### Final Answer:
There are **5 covalent network solids** among the given substances.

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