Cite the distinction between carbon and graphite.

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Question: Explain the difference between carbon and graphite and provide examples of their distinct properties and applications. Answer: Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol 'C' and an atomic number of 6, occurring in various forms called allotropes with different structures and properties. Graphite, on the other hand, is an allotrope of carbon with a hexagonal crystal structure and unique properties due to its specific arrangement of atoms. While carbon is an overall category, graphite is a specific form of carbon with distinct properties such as excellent electrical conductivity and slipperiness due to weak forces between its layers. This makes graphite suitable for applications such as pencil lead and lubricants, while other forms of carbon have different properties and applications.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Carbon

Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol 'C' and an atomic number of 6. It is a non-metal that occurs in various forms, called allotropes, with different structures and properties. Some common forms of carbon are graphite, diamond, and amorphous carbon.
02

Understanding Graphite

Graphite is an allotrope of carbon. It has a hexagonal crystal structure and is made up of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a regular pattern. The layers are held together by weak forces, making graphite slippery and soft. Due to its structure, graphite is an excellent electrical conductor and is commonly used as a material for pencil lead and lubricants.
03

Distinctions Between Carbon and Graphite

1. Carbon is an element, while graphite is an allotrope of carbon, meaning it is a specific form of the element carbon with a certain arrangement of atoms. 2. Graphite has a hexagonal crystal structure, whereas other allotropes of carbon, such as diamond and amorphous carbon, have different structures. 3. The properties of graphite are unique, such as being a good electrical conductor and being slippery due to the weak forces between its layers. These properties are not the same for all forms of carbon. 4. Applications of graphite, such as pencil lead and lubricants, are specific to its structure and properties and are not characteristic of carbon as a whole.

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