2006-06-29 03:04:02 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
the crystalline structures are completely different.
graphite is actually composed of sheets of crystals. that is why is breaks easily.
diamond crystals are joined at all corners, therefore they are very hard.
2006-06-29 03:10:13 · answer #1 · answered by jimvalentinojr 6 · 0⤊ 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.
2006-06-30 05:01:16 · answer #2 · answered by delinquentcrackbaby 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply the arrangement and distance of the carbon atoms. In diamond it is a cubic structure with the spacing about 1.5 angstroms (as I recall).
Graphite's structure is hexagonal close packed (HCP) and is made up of hexagons of closely spaced atoms but the hexagons are parallel to each other but much farther apart, so graphite has a strong direction in the plane of the hexagons but very weak bonding between the planes of parallel hexagons.
This is why graphite makes a good dry lubricant, the weak planes shear easily.
2006-06-29 03:10:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the carbon atoms are arrenged differently. In graphite each atom has 3 connections. In a diamond each atom has 4 connections, which makes for a sort of web. Each individual atom is "trapped" from all directions, which is what makes a diamond so hard.
2006-06-29 03:09:43 · answer #4 · answered by evil_tiger_lily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Graphite and Dimond are allotrophes of eachother. It means that though they may be made up of the same element they differ in their apperance as they have different molecular arrangement.
Dimond has sp3 hybridisation of the individual atoms giving it a cristaline structure like Silicon, while graphite is sp2 hybrid giving it the layered look.
2006-06-29 03:14:12 · answer #5 · answered by chinu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon which means they have different structual forms of the same element in the same physical state. they have different physical properties but the same chemical properties. graphite has a weaker force of attraction than diamond.
2006-06-29 03:29:29 · answer #6 · answered by audaciously_shy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A diamond is carbon that has been compressed for thousands of years. The atoms are arranged differently.
2006-06-29 03:07:35 · answer #7 · answered by esobel6 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's all about structure. graphite is arranged in sheets so you can use it to write with, and diamond is bound tightly so you can use it to cut things
2006-06-29 03:46:37 · answer #8 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The difference is due to structural differences
2006-06-29 03:58:45 · answer #9 · answered by Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crystal lattice structures are different and give rise to different physical properties.
2006-06-29 07:34:17 · answer #10 · answered by Brandon R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋