Structure Of Carbon Atom Flashcards
How many protons and neutrons does a carbon atom have?
A carbon atom has 6 protons and typically 6 neutrons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of carbon?
Carbon has 6 electrons, arranged as 2 in the inner shell and 4 in the outer shell (2,4).
How many covalent bonds can a carbon atom form?
Carbon can form four covalent bonds using its four valence electrons.
What types of covalent bonds can carbon form?
Carbon can form single, double, or triple covalent bonds with other atoms.
How does carbon form covalent bonds?
By sharing its valence electrons with other atoms.
What is diamond?
Diamond is a form of carbon where each atom is covalently bonded to four others in a tetrahedral structure.
What type of structure does diamond have?
A giant covalent structure.
Why is diamond so hard?
Its strong covalent bonds create a rigid tetrahedral arrangement.
Why does diamond have a high melting point?
Because of its strong covalent bonds that require a lot of energy to break.
Why can’t diamond conduct electricity?
It has no free electrons or ions to carry charge.
How is graphite structured?
Each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds, creating layers of hexagonal rings.
What happens to the fourth electron in graphite?
It becomes delocalised, forming a “sea of electrons.”
Why can graphite conduct electricity?
Its delocalised electrons can move freely and carry charge.
Why is graphite slippery?
Weak van der Waals forces hold the layers together, allowing them to slide over each other.
What are fullerenes?
Molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes, like buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀).
What can fullerenes do?
They can form cages to enclose or transport other atoms or molecules.
What are carbon nanotubes?
A type of fullerene with a cylindrical shape, known for their strength and electrical conductivity.
Why are fullerenes and nanotubes important?
They are used in nanotechnology due to their unique properties.
