Diamond And Graphite

Question 1

What are diamond and carbon

Answer 1

Allotropes of carbon

Question 2

Define ‘allotrope’

Answer 2

Different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state

Question 3

Give a brief summary of diamond

Answer 3

Each carbon is bonded ( covalently) to 4 other carbon atoms which forms a regular 3d pattern
Very strong- high melting point
Won’t conduct electricity- no free electrons

Question 4

Give a brief summary of Graphite

Answer 4

Only bonded to three other carbon atoms
Atoms arranged in hexagons to form large sheets arranged on top of one and other to form lots of layers
Held together weakly- no covalent bonds
Means free to slide over each other making it relatively soft
High melting point
Spare delocalised electrons allow it to conduct electricity