2007-01-31 23:12:47 · 3 answers · asked by kkp 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I'll bet you know the answer, but I believe it is the molecular binding of carbon in the two elements.
Graphite is a polymorph of the element carbon. diamond is another polymorph. The two share the same chemistry, carbon, but have very different structures and very different properties.
Diamond is the hardest mineral known to man, Graphite is one of the softest. Diamond is an excellent electrical insulator, Graphite is a good conductor of electricity.
Diamond is the ultimate abrasive, Graphite is a very good lubricant. Diamond is usually transparent, Graphite is opaque.
Diamond crystallizes in the Isometric system and graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system.
2007-01-31 23:22:34 · answer #1 · answered by Bonathon M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
since graphite and diamond both r forms of carbon
but graphite has an extra electron where as diamond does not thus graphite is more stable
2007-02-01 00:18:25 · answer #2 · answered by shilpychauhan 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Diamond is a tetrahedral network of carbon atoms.
Carbon is a network of layers of fuzed benzene rinngs. The aromaticity in graphite would be a source of thermodynamic stability.
2007-02-01 01:08:02 · answer #3 · answered by davisoldham 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋