Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 56

Explain why diamond is harder than graphite. Why is graphite an electrical conductor but diamond is not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Diamond is harder than graphite because it's a 3D network of atoms with strong, covalent bonds, while graphite's layers are held together by weaker forces allowing for easy layer movement. Graphite can conduct electricity due to the presence of free moving electrons. Diamond, however, has all its electrons involved in bonding and hence can't conduct electricity.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Structure of Diamond

Diamond is formed by each carbon atom being covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure. This forms a 3-dimensional network solid, resulting in diamond being extremely hard.
02

Understand the Structure of Graphite

Graphite consists of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms, freeing up one electron to move around, contributing to its ability to conduct electricity.
03

Compare the Structures

The strong, 3-dimensional network of covalent bonds in diamond makes it harder than graphite, where the layers held together by weaker van der Waals forces can easily slip over each other. The free electron in graphite's structure accounts for its ability to conduct electricity.
04

Understand Why Diamond Doesn't Conduct Electricity

In diamond, all the four available electrons form covalent bonds, leaving no free electron for conducting electricity. Hence, diamond doesn't conduct electricity.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Despite the fact that stainless steel is much denser than water, a stainless- steel razor blade can be made to float on water. Why?

What is the origin of dark spots on the inner glass walls of an old tungsten lightbulb? What is the purpose of filling these lightbulbs with argon gas?

Steam at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) causes more serious burns than water at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Why?

A face-centered cubic cell contains \(8 \mathrm{X}\) atoms at the corners of the cell and 6 Y atoms at the faces. What is the empirical formula of the solid?

What is the relationship between intermolecular forces in a liquid and the liquid's boiling point and critical temperature? Why is the critical temperature of water greater than that of most other substances?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free