2007-01-20 16:56:00 · 5 answers · asked by inw99 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I am mainly concerned about why it conducts heat. I want a proper scientific explanation for this, not just some general comment
2007-01-20 17:24:45 · update #1
A diamond is basiclly a clear depending lump of coal it is 100% carbon and carbon is not a good conductor of electricity but is heat since it does burn easily and that is mixed with other elements so imagine 100% pure carbon
2007-01-20 17:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by Brandon K 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A diamond lattice is an exceptionally rigid structure mechanically; that's why it's so hard. So when you vibrate a diamond atom thermally the thermal vibrational energy is quickly communicated through the diamond lattice. This is a different heat conduction mechanism to that of metals, which are good heat and electrical conductors. In a metal, the conduction electrons are like a cloud of gas permeating the metal crystal structure. Heat up one end of a copper wire and the hot electrons jostle those next to them and pass the vibrational energy along the wire. So copper transmits heat for the same reason that pushing an electron in one end of the wire results in an electron is pushed out the other end; the conduction electrons are free to move around. Unlike copper, diamond does not have free conduction electrons. A very good and thought-provoking question.
2007-01-20 19:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If i remember correctly, you need free electrons to conduct electricity. The lattice structure of a diamond does not have any free electrons so it can not conduct electricity. However it does have mass, and anything with mass will conduct heat. Some objects because of there structures conduct heat or electricity at different rates. Graphite, a carbon molecule like diamond conducts electricity quite well.
2007-01-20 17:32:01 · answer #3 · answered by thewizardofodd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We know that for the electricity to pass we need free electron but because of its rigid structure there r no free electrons and hence it does not conduct electricity
2007-01-20 17:12:16 · answer #4 · answered by shaik m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
diamond is a molecular compound, so it probably doesn't conduct electricity. it conducts heat but takes a long time
2007-01-20 18:51:04 · answer #5 · answered by flongkoy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋