2006-06-11 21:59:19 · 9 answers · asked by ultapulta_1205 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon.This is one of the unique properties of carbon.
2006-06-12 02:08:31 · answer #1 · answered by Apoorva 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While both are covalent network solids- solid composed of atoms covalently bondend in a network in 2 or 3 dimensions, they are also allotropes- forms of an element differing in either bonding or structure. Because the tetrahedral network of carbon atoms is very strong, diamond is the hardest substance known. Graphite's carbon atoms are bonded in a hexagonal pattern and lie in planes. Electrons can pass freely along the planes, so graphite is a conductor of electricity even though carbon is a nonmetal. The bonds within each plane are very strong. Weaker London forces hold the planes together so that the planes can slip past each other, which makes it a good lubricant.
2016-03-27 01:35:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both diamond and graphite are made entirely out of carbon, as is the more recently discovered buckminsterfullerene (a discrete soccer-ball-shaped molecule containing carbon 60 atoms). The way the carbon atoms are arranged in space, however, is different for the three materials, making them allotropes of carbon. The differing properties of carbon and diamond arise from their distinct crystal structures.
2006-06-11 23:28:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
graphite and diamond are both crystallne forms of carbon. the difference lies in the hybridisation... (hybridization is a phenomenon where S and P orbitals overlap).. diamond has 1 S and 3 p orbitals where as graphite has only 2 Porbitals... this makes diamond tetrahedral and graphite planar... graphite exists in layers .. this enables one layer to slip over the other making it a good lubricant.. and sinc diamond is tetrshedral it has a rigid structure which makes it hard.
2006-06-11 22:08:59 · answer #4 · answered by quantumfunster 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Graphite crystals are smaller and are arranged in flat plates that slide against one another easily, Diamond crystals are locked together into a larger more solid three dimensional latticework that resists shearing and compression.
One is like a stack of playing cards the other is like the wooden frame of a building.
2006-06-12 01:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by corvis_9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their densities are different because they are formed under different pressures. Diamond is the most hardest substance in the world so it can scrape on the surface of graphite.
2006-06-11 22:24:44 · answer #6 · answered by zaqcyl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same way that one man could be totally different than his sister. They are both composed of the same "materials", but each one is very different. I'm sure if you have a brother/sister you understand this.
2006-06-12 04:11:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Difference in molecular structures.
2006-06-11 22:03:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its their chemical structre.
2006-06-11 22:03:45 · answer #9 · answered by bunty_tibrewal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋