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How do the differences in carbon bonds explain why graphite and diamonds have different properties?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
They are arranged differently.
Graphite forms in thin layers. Imagine a stack of thin papers. Every time you press down on a pencil, a few layers rub off onto the surface you are writing on and stay there.
Diamonds, on the other hand, form in much stronger and complex forms, which are almost impossible to break. This makes it one of the strongest substances on Earth.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIn graphite the carbon bonds in a 2-dimensional, hexagonal pattern in which each carbon atom is bonded to three others. This forms sheets carbon one atom thick. These sheets are basically stacked on top of one another and can fairly easily side over each other. This makes it soft.
In diamond the bonds form a 3-dimensional pattern in which each carbon atom is bonded to four others. The bonds around each carbon atom are tetrahedral, meaning they point to the corners of a triangular pyramid. Since the atoms are tightly locked together in a covalent network rather than in rather loosely bound sheets the structure is very rigid, making diamond incredibly hard.
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What are the similarities and differences between diamond and graphite and Buckminsterfullerene?
similarities -- all are forms of carbon differences -- because of the structures of the bonds of the carbon atoms, they have different properties
Can the existence of isotopes explain the differences in properties between diamond and graphite?
This explanation is not correct.
Diamonds and graphite are examples of what solid?
Diamonds and graphite are both allotropes of carbon.
Diamonds and graphite may seem very different however they share a characteristic What is that characteristic?
composition
Diamonds and graphite may seem very different however they share a characteristic. What is that characteristic?
composition
What causes graphite diamonds and fullerene to have different properties?
because they are of allotropes of carbon.
Why does graphite and diamonds have properties?
Everything has 'properties' used to identify the object/ item/ mineral/ material.
How do the differences in carbon bonds explain why graphite amd diamonds have differences?
Graphite has a layered structure: the bonds between carbon atoms are covalent and the bonds between layers are weak van der Waals bonds.Diamonds have a face centered cubic diamond lattice which is very rigid.Differences in structure explain differences of physical properties.
Is graphite in diamonds?
No. Both graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon. They have different molecular structures.
How is a graphite different from other allotropes of carbon?
Diamonds, coke, coal, graphite, fullerenes
What are the similarities and differences between diamond and graphite and Buckminsterfullerene?
similarities -- all are forms of carbon differences -- because of the structures of the bonds of the carbon atoms, they have different properties
Can the existence of isotopes explain the differences in properties between diamond and graphite?
This explanation is not correct.
Does graphite make diamonds?
No. Graphite and diamond are both allotropes of carbon, each with a different and distinct molecular structure.
Diamonds and graphite are examples of what solid?
Diamonds and graphite are both allotropes of carbon.
Is lead from our pencils diamonds?
No. They are actually a type of graphite. Diamonds are made of carbon.
Do Graphite and diamonds have the same chemical compositions and different crystalline structures?
Both graphite and diamond are composed of the element carbon, but have different crystalline structures.
Which is the best reason for the difference between the properties of diamond and graphite?
Graphite and diamonds are both network covalent carbon chains. The only difference is the structure of each. Graphite is very soft and is used as a lubricant, due to the fact that its carbon atoms are bonded together in layers which slide apart easily. Diamond, however, is very abrasive, because its carbons are all bonded to each other in a very rigid fashion.
