How we know that diamond and carbon and graphite have the same arrangements of atoms?

Answer 1

They don't. They are allotropic forms of carbon.

Answer 2

Carbon has several allotropes; diamond, graphite, and the recently discovered fullerene compounds. Graphite, (pencil "lead") has an atomic arrangement like sheets. This accounrts for graphite's slipperiness. It easily separates into layers when handled; that's why pencil "lead" will rub off onto a piece of paper. Diamond's rigid atomic structure explains its hardness. Buckyballs and buckytubes are forms of the carbon allotrope known as fullerenes. They are shaped like soccer balls and tubes which gives these compounds unique properties.

Answer 3

The different arrangement of atoms is what produces the difference in physical properties.

IF they were arranged in the same way, then the properties would be the same, ie either:

Diamonds and Soot would be grey and slippery, just like Graphite, or

Graphite and Soot would be hard and clear, just like Diamonds, or

Diamonds and Graphite would be black and dusty, just like Soot.

Further information (Sheffield University):

http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/C/allotropes.html

Answer 4

Umm...they don't really...in graphite the carbon atoms are bonded together to form layers much like a sheet of paper..these layers are very soft and slide past each other easily..thats what makes grpahite so good for pencils...in diamond each carbon is bonded tetrahedrally....forming an intricatate, very strong structure, much like a chain link fence except the bonds go in 4 different directions.

I hope this helps =)

Answer 5

Diamond and graphite are both made of carbon and are DIFFERENT arrangements of this element.

Answer 6

All of these are made from the element carbon. They differ because the way the atoms are structured together is different.

Answer 7

and whatabout buckminsterfullerene (C60)? Now THERE's an interesting allotrope.....

Answer 8

hola, soy español(hello, i'm Spanis)y no entieno nada