How is the structure of a diamond similar to the structure of graphite?

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Diamond: each carbon atom bonds to 4 other carbon atoms, WHILST, Graphite: each carbon atom bonds to 3 other carbon atoms. Thus, diamond bears more of a tetrahedral structure, whereas graphite takes the form of layers. The presence of layers means that atoms can slide over each other easily.



Besides, what type of structure does a diamond have?

Answer: Diamond is organised in a giant lattice structure with strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Each carbon atom forms 4 bonds. Explanation: Each carbon atom has four electrons in its outer shell, all of which form covalent bonds which are strong and hard to break.

Also, how does the structure of diamond affect its properties? Properties and uses The three-dimensional arrangement of carbon atoms, held together by strong covalent bonds, makes diamond very hard. Diamond has a very high melting point because a large amount of energy is needed to overcome the many strong covalent bonds.

In this regard, what is the structure of graphite?

Graphite has a giant covalent structure consisting of layers of carbon atoms. Carbon atoms have 4 valence electrons that are available for bonding. In graphite, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms. Therefore, every carbon atom has 1 electron that is not used for bonding.

What are the properties of diamond and graphite?

The physical properties of graphite

  • has a high melting point, similar to that of diamond.
  • has a soft, slippery feel, and is used in pencils and as a dry lubricant for things like locks.
  • has a lower density than diamond.
  • is insoluble in water and organic solvents - for the same reason that diamond is insoluble.

37 Related Question Answers Found

What mineral group is Diamond in?

Diamond. Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral, topping Mohs' Scale of Hardness with a relative hardness value of 10. Diamond is a polymorph of the element carbon, and graphite is another. While the two share the same chemistry, C (elemental carbon), they have very different structures and properties.

How is a diamond created?

Diamonds were formed over 3 billion years ago deep within the Earth's crust under conditions of intense heat and pressure that cause carbon atoms to crystallise forming diamonds. This expansion causes the magma to erupt, forcing it to the Earth's surface and taking along with it diamond bearing rocks.

Is Diamond polar or nonpolar?

Carbon can form nonpolar covalent (pure covalent) bonds when it bonds to itself, as in graphene and diamond. Carbon forms polar covalent bonds with elements that have a slightly different electronegativity. The carbon-oxygen bond is a polar covalent bond.

Does Diamond have a tetrahedral structure?


In a diamond, the carbon atoms are arranged tetrahedrally. Each carbon atom is attached to four other carbon atoms 1.544 x 10-10 meter away with a C-C-C bond angle of 109.5 degrees. Because of its tetrahedral structure, diamond also shows a great resistance to compression.

What color is a diamond?

Diamonds occur in a variety of colors—steel gray, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink to purple, brown, and black. Colored diamonds contain interstitial impurities or structural defects that cause the coloration; pure diamonds are perfectly transparent and colorless.

What type of bond is graphite?

Graphite has a giant covalent structure in which: each carbon atom is joined to three other carbon atoms by covalent bonds. the carbon atoms form layers with a hexagonal arrangement of atoms. the layers have weak forces between them.

What is the structure of graphite called?

Graphite, also called plumbago or black lead, mineral consisting of carbon. Graphite has a layered structure that consists of rings of six carbon atoms arranged in widely spaced horizontal sheets.

Why does graphite only have 3 bonds?


These electrons can become delocalised and jump from atom to atom. This gives a very important property of graphene and graphite: the ability to conduct electricity. The carbons form only three bonds because they are sp 2 hybridized (hence the -ene suffix).

What is the property of graphite?

Graphite has a high melting point, similar to that of diamond. In order to melt graphite, it isn't enough to loosen one sheet from another. You have to break the covalent bonding throughout the whole structure. It has a soft, slippery feel, and is used in pencils and as a dry lubricant for things like locks.

How is graphite formed?

Graphite is formed under heat and pressure in metamorphic rocks, that is, sedimentary rocks that are close to hot igneous intrusions and heated and altered by them. It originates from some carbon rich deposit in the sedimentary rock, which may very well once have been coal, peat or even oil.

Is Diamond a metal?

Diamond is not a metal in anyway its just an allotrope of carbon. It does not show any physical properties or chemical properties of metals like electrical conductivity, malleability, ductility,reaction with acids or salts etc. Carbon is actually a nonmetal, if you can believe the periodic table.

What is pencil lead made of?

Most pencil cores are made of graphite powder mixed with a clay binder. Graphite pencils (traditionally known as 'lead pencils') produce grey or black marks that are easily erased, but otherwise resistant to moisture, most chemicals, ultraviolet radiation and natural aging.

Is Diamond a molecule?


4 Answers. Diamond is a covalent network solid, like a number of other common materials (quartz, graphite, glass, and a whole bunch of stuff). Because they are not discrete molecules - there is no 'diamond' molecule the same way there are molecules of caffeine, benzoic acid, citric acid, N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, etc.

What is the melting point of diamond?

The ultimate melting point of diamond is about 4,027° Celsius (7,280° Fahrenheit).

What properties do diamonds have?

Physical Properties of Diamond
Chemical Classification Native element - Carbon
Diagnostic Properties Hardness, heat conductivity, crystal form, index of refraction, specific gravity and dispersion.
Chemical Composition C (elemental carbon)
Crystal System Isometric