4.2.3 Strucure and Bonding of carbon

Question 1

diamond

Answer 1

each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms in a giant covalent sturture
rigid network, very hard
no moving charged particles—doesn’t conduct electricity
used in jewellery, cutting tools and drill bits

Question 2

graphite

Answer 2

each carbon atom forms 3 covalent bonds with 3 other carbon atoms to form layers of hexagonal rings
weak forces between the layers so they slide over each other other—soft and slippery used as lubricant and in pencils

Question 3

why can graphite rub off the pencil onto the paper

Answer 3

weak forces between layers can be broken
layers can slide over each other

Question 4

grapheme

Answer 4

one sheet/layer of graphite—one atom thick
potential uses: thin/flexible/durable display screens, electric circuits, solar cells

Question 5

fullerenes

Answer 5

fullerenes are molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes
hexagonal rings of carbon atoms but they may also contain rings with 5 or seven carbon atoms

first fullers: buckminsterfullerene C60, spherical shape—can be used as lubricants becasue molecules can roll over one another

fullerenes used for drug delivery into the body, lubricants, catalysts

Question 6

carbon nanotubes

Answer 6

cylindrical fullerenes
high tensile strength
used to strengthen materials
high electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity
used for reinforcing materials, e.g. tennis rackets