Thanks for your detailed answer...tom science
2006-08-17 20:11:16 · 12 answers · asked by tom science 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
The extreme hardness of diamond can be attributed to the specific way in which carbon atoms are arranged in it. In diamond, carbons atoms arranged themselves in tetrahedral configuration such that each carbon atoms bonds with four other carbon atoms covalently. This has two implications. Firstly, all the carbons atoms are held together by strong covalent bonds. Any breakage of diamond will involve breaking numerous covalent bonds and requires a great amount of energy. Covalent bonds are much stronger than the van der waals or hydrogen bonds that are present between molecules many substances. Secondly, tetrahedral configuration causes diamond to form small triangles throughout its structure, called triangulation. Triangulation makes it impossible to deform a structure without first breaking it. For example, if a square is formed by riveting four straight rods together end to end, it is possible to deform it to form a quadrilateral. Deformation is not possible for a triangle made using similar method, as any deformation will involve breaking one of the rods. Similarly, the triangulation structure in diamond makes it hard to deform. In contrast, metals are softer than diamond because the metallic bonds holding the metal together permit sliding between adjacent layers of atoms.
2006-08-17 20:46:15 · answer #1 · answered by grace168574 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The density and crystalline structure of the diamond is the sturdiest of all natural materials. Add 1+1, you get 2.
2006-08-18 06:11:27 · answer #2 · answered by Alfie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diamonds have a chemical structure which forms into tiny "diamond" shaped arrangements. It is the repetition of this arrangement that gives a diamond it's clarity and shape. The structure is a very stable one, which is exprapolated out to make a stable substance.
2006-08-18 03:17:47 · answer #3 · answered by Spekter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diamonds are formed by heat, pressure and carbon that create a complex molecular structure.
2006-08-18 03:21:29 · answer #4 · answered by deltazeta_mary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great Density of Carbon.
2006-08-18 03:17:15 · answer #5 · answered by raka 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pls try the following sites
2006-08-18 03:19:13 · answer #6 · answered by rashmi g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because their carbon atoms are too close together. they were created under great pressure and heat.
2006-08-18 03:17:32 · answer #7 · answered by FALCONKING 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
made of carbon
2006-08-18 05:14:29 · answer #8 · answered by corrona 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pressure & carbon
2006-08-18 03:16:06 · answer #9 · answered by Kim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So the women can't break them...
2006-08-18 10:49:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋