Allotropes of carbon Flashcards
Why is an enormous amount of energy required to break down giant covalent structure
Because they form huge networks of atoms of which all are joined to other atoms by strong covalent bonds
Why is diamond so hard (talk about carbon atoms structure)
The carbon atoms in it have a rigid covalent structure and make 4 covalent bonds each
Why is graphite soft and slippery and what are the bonds between layers
.There are no covalent bonds between layers so they are able to slide over each other
. There are intermolecular forces between the layers in graphite
What are the layers in graphite composed of
Covalently bonded carbon atoms (each atom makes 3 bonds)
Why can graphite conduct electricity AND heat
One electron from each carbon atom is delocalised and can move between layers in graphite
What are carbon nanotubes
Cylindrical fullerenes with a very high length to diameter ratio
What is the structure of a fullerene
Carbon atoms joined together forming large hollow shapes
Give 3 uses of fullerenes
1) Delivering drugs into the body
2) lubricants
3) Catalysts
What atom do all fullerenes contain
Carbon
Give 2 USEFUL properties of carbon nanotubes
1) High tensile strength
2) Have delocalised electrons
Give 2 USEFUL properties of carbon nanotubes
1) High tensile strength
2) Delocalised strength
How is high tensile strength a useful property of carbon nanotubes
Means they can be used to reinforce composite materials such as when making tennis rackets
How is having delocalised electrons a useful property of carbon nanotubes
Gives them a high electrical conductivity so they can be used in the electronics industry
Give 3 properties of graphene that make it very useful in electronics and composites
1) Excellent electrical conductor
2) Low density
3) Incredibly strong (for its mass)
What was the first discovered fullerene
Buckminsterfullerene
