diamond is hard and has a high melting point ?????
2007-01-12 04:36:29 · 2 answers · asked by Hally berry 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
why is diamond a poor conducter of electric current and graphite a good conductor?????
2007-01-12 04:37:39 · update #1
In a diamond, one carbon atom is connected to four carbon atoms using strong co-valant bonds (in the shape of a tetrahedral pyramid). There are no free electrons, so diamond is a weak conductor of electricity and heat. The strenght of the co-valent bonds between the C atoms gives diamond a higher melting point and hardness, because a lot of energy is required to break the bonds.
But in graphite, each C atom is connected to only three C atoms in a 120 degree angle. Six of these atoms are connected together in a hexagonal (planar) shape, and graphite is created by these hexagonal layers. These layers are connected together in weak Vandervall forces. Hence, graphite is easier to break and has a lower melting point than diamond. In each C atom in graphite there are free electrons which make graphite an exellent conductor of heat and electricity.
The physical differences of graphite and diamond mainly occur due to the strength of the bonds that are involved, and the availability of free electrons.
(I hope you understood my answer. Sorry if the language seemed odd. I did not study chemistry in English)
2007-01-12 05:18:37 · answer #1 · answered by Riyah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its depend on the structure of any of the atom
2007-01-12 12:57:25 · answer #2 · answered by Sarang D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋