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Diamond is so much harder than graphite because the carbon atoms in diamond are bonded to other carbon atoms tetrahedrally. In graphite, the carbon atoms are only bonded to three other carbon atoms and form sheets. There is one valence electron that wanders the surface which makes graphite a conductor.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoGraphite layers of hexagons held together by Van Der Walls so layers are further away from each other compared to diamond which is a single structure with only covalent bonds
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Is graphite more stable thermodynamically than diamond?
It is, so diamond will become graphite over time. The structure of diamond hinders the necessary kinetics, so the process is very slow, unnoticeable most of the time. It's because the standard enthalpy of formation of graphite is 0; but diamonds is not equal to 0.
Why graphite is opaque and diamond is transperent?
Different physical structures. Both are pure (or nearly so) carbon. Graphite is a powder made of tiny flakes, while diamond is a rigid crystal.
What makes diamonds and graphite two forms of the element carbon so different?
Well to be very upfront diamond is very heated and compressed carbon (coal graphite) while graphite is more "pure" carbon than diamonds
Is diamond harder than rock?
Diamond is a the hardest mineral, so yes. Minerals are what make up rocks.
What can be made of graphite?
Graphite is pure carbon. A diamond is also pure carbon in a very specific crystal. Yet diamonds do not conduct electricity and graphite does. Graphite can form in plate like arrays of hexagonal crystals and in an amorphous, powdery form.
Why diamond cuts but graphite is cut while writing?
although they are formed from the same basic carbon, graphite's composition is only bonded on one plane so it makes it slippery. diamonds compositions is chemically bonded on 3 planes so it's much stronger, thus making it harder.
What makes gold so soft while quartz and diamond are so much harder?
Elemental minerals and regular minerals have properties like hardness due to their atomic arrangement and crystalline structures. Graphite, for instance, is composed of the same element (carbon) as diamond is. The difference lies in the arrangement of the carbon atoms.
Is graphite more stable thermodynamically than diamond?
It is, so diamond will become graphite over time. The structure of diamond hinders the necessary kinetics, so the process is very slow, unnoticeable most of the time. It's because the standard enthalpy of formation of graphite is 0; but diamonds is not equal to 0.
Why is diamond so much price than gold?
it is harder to get than gold and the process is longer
What makes diamond and graphite two forms of element carbon so different?
Well to be very upfront diamond is very heated and compressed carbon (coal graphite) while graphite is more "pure" carbon than diamonds
Why graphite is opaque and diamond is transperent?
Different physical structures. Both are pure (or nearly so) carbon. Graphite is a powder made of tiny flakes, while diamond is a rigid crystal.
What makes diamonds and graphite two forms of the element carbon so different?
Well to be very upfront diamond is very heated and compressed carbon (coal graphite) while graphite is more "pure" carbon than diamonds
Is turning graphite into diamond exothermic?
Diamonds are formed from carbon, and so is graphite. The only time graphite is 'converted' to diamond is when a meteorite strikes earth. This can produce flakes of industrial diamonds that can be used by manufacturers to enhance tool usefulness, precision, and abrasive power.
Why is diamond harder than graphite?
Diamond is harder than graphite because diamond has a more complex structure. Diamond's structure is like many pentagons connected together, each pentagon sharing a side with another pentagon or each pentagon sharing a point with another pentagon. All the points are linked together in some way. Graphite's structure is very loose, with its bonds forming layers. There will be one sheet of elements bonded together, but then another sheet of bonds of elements will lay on top of that, and there will be very weak bonds holding those sheets together. Diamond's intricate structure of interwoven bonds makes it much harder and stronger than graphite, which has bonds in loose sheets.
Is diamond made up of a Carbon?
yeaah; so is graphite annd every living organissm ;)
Is diamond harder than silver?
Yes. Diamond has the highest hardness and thermal conductivity of any bulk material. The name 'diamond' comes from the ancient Greek αδάμας - adámas, meaning 'unbreakable'. Silver...not so much.
Is diamond harder than rock?
Diamond is a the hardest mineral, so yes. Minerals are what make up rocks.
