Allotropes Of Carbon

Question 1

what is an allotrope

Answer 1

different structural forms of the same element

Question 2

what are the different allotropes of carbon

Answer 2

diamond, graphite, graphene and charcoal (all made of carbon, but in a different form)

Question 3

why cant diamond conduct electricity

Answer 3

because its rigid network of carbon atoms have 4 covelant bonds that lock the electrons in place

Question 4

why can ionic compounds only conduct electricity in a liquid state

Answer 4

because in a solid state the ions arent free to move ,but in a liquid state they are fluid. this allows for a current to be passed through them

Question 5

why is diamond very hard

Answer 5

• it has a rigid lattice structure of carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement

Question 6

what is graphite

Answer 6

• an allotrope of carbon

- which has a carbon-based giant covelant structure

Question 7

what is graphite the most of and what doesnt it allow

Answer 7

its the most stable allotrope of carbon. because of this, it cant be used as fuel as it doesnt ignite

Question 8

what is charcoal and its properties

Answer 8

• common type of coal

- lightweight and dry.

Question 9

what method can be used to produce charcoal and charcoals benefits

Answer 9

• pyrolysis

- extremely flammable and cheap

Question 10

what is diamond used for

Answer 10

• strengthening cutting tools

- and jewellery

Question 11

what is graphite in terms of its properties

Answer 11

a dry lubricant

Question 12

why is graphite called a dry lubricant

Answer 12

because its a solid but acts like a lubricant. its because of this that we can write with it

Question 13

uses of graphite

Answer 13

making lead for pencils

Question 14

why is graphite slippery

Answer 14

because of its layered atomic structure with weak intermolecular forces between them. as the bonds between them are weak they are easy to slide and move apart

Question 15

what is graphene compared to graphite

Answer 15

simply one atomic layer of graphite

Question 16

why is diamond very unreactive

Answer 16

the covelant bonds between the atoms are extremely unreactive

Question 17

why is graphite used in pencils

Answer 17

• it has 3 covelant bonds which gives it its layers structure
• when graphite is dragged along paper the layers come off and leave a trail behind them
• due to the fact that the intermolecular forces between the layers are weak

Question 18

why does graphite conduct electricity

Answer 18

• because the sheets are layered, not all of its electrons are held in covelant bonds
• delocalised electrons between the sheets are free to move and carry current

Question 19

what are the two ways graphene can exist

Answer 19

as a sheet or in a rolled up tube

Question 20

what are the properties of graphene

Answer 20

• lightweight
• thin
• flexible
• durable

Question 21

what can graphene be used for

Answer 21

the creation of screen displays and solar cells due to itr properties

Question 22

why does diamond have a high melting point

Answer 22

• it has strong covelant bonds which take a lot over energy to break
• which gives it a high melting point