2006-08-30 15:36:09 · 4 answers · asked by tom science 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
The carbon atoms in diamond are located at the corners of a repeating array of tetrahedra with an additional carbon at the center of each tetrahedron.
The carbon-carbon bonds in diamond are composed of sp3 hybrid orbitals, which have tetrahedral symmetry. This is what imposes the tetrahedral arrangement on the overall atomic arrangement.
See sources for picures.
2006-08-30 18:20:10 · answer #1 · answered by hfshaw 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like a huge huge prism. Diamonds are made of carbon, and each carbon atom is linked by a very strong bond to four other carbon atoms. Visualize a square base triangle. The top atom is liked to four below it. The four are each linked to another four below it.
2006-08-31 00:12:48 · answer #2 · answered by maczh2002 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Interlocking octohedrons. Graphite forms hexagonal plates.
2006-08-30 22:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by Like An Ibis 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Carbon atoms packed as closely together as possible.
2006-08-30 22:42:07 · answer #4 · answered by rscanner 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋