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Chapter 16: Problem 23

Cite the distinction between carbon and graphite.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Carbon can be found in various forms like diamonds, which is hard and transparent, while graphite is soft, slippery, and opaque. Graphite is a good conductor of electricity, whereas most forms of carbon are poor electrical conductors. Both carbon and graphite are chemically inert under most conditions, but graphite is more thermodynamically stable than other allotropes of carbon.

Step by step solution

01

Introduce Carbon

Carbon is a non-metallic element with atomic number 6 and symbol C. It is found in many forms, including diamonds, fullerenes, amorphous carbon, and graphite. Carbon is known for its versatility and role in the formation of complex molecules in living organisms.
02

Introduce Graphite

Graphite is an allotrope of carbon. An allotrope is a form of an element that has a different molecular structure. Graphite is made up of layers of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal structures. These layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces, allowing them to slide over each other easily.
03

Compare Physical Properties

There are some notable differences in the physical properties of carbon and graphite: - Hardness: Carbon can be found in various forms, like diamond, which is the hardest naturally occurring substance. On the other hand, graphite is soft and slippery, making it a good solid lubricant. - Conductivity: Graphite is a good conductor of electricity due to the presence of free electrons in its structure. In contrast, most forms of carbon (like diamond) are poor electrical conductors. - Transparency: Diamond, a form of carbon, is transparent, whereas graphite is opaque and black.
04

Compare Chemical Properties

Carbon and graphite also differ in their chemical properties: - Reactivity: Carbon is generally quite inert and does not react with many substances. However, under certain conditions, such as high temperatures or in the presence of a catalyst, it can react with other elements to form various compounds. Graphite, being an allotrope of carbon, is also chemically inert under most conditions. - Stability: Graphite is thermodynamically more stable than the other allotropes of carbon, including diamond. In conclusion, though graphite is a form of carbon, they have distinct physical and chemical properties due to their different molecular structures.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Is it possible to produce a continuous and oriented aramid fiber-epoxy matrix composite having longitudinal and transverse moduli of elasticity of \(35 \mathrm{GPa}\left(5 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{psi}\right)\) and \(5.17 \mathrm{GPa}(7.5 \times\) \(10^{5} \mathrm{psi}\) ), respectively? Why or why not? Assume that the elastic modulus of the epoxy is \(3.4 \mathrm{GPa}\) \(\left(4.93 \times 10^{5} \mathrm{psi}\right)\)

(a) Write an expression for the modulus of elasticity for a hybrid composite in which all fibers of both types are oriented in the same direction. (b) Using this expression, compute the longitudinal modulus of elasticity of a hybrid composite consisting of aramid and glass fibers in volume fractions of \(0.25\) and \(0.35\), respectively, within a polyester resin matrix \(\left[E_{m}=4.0\right.\) GPa \(\left.\left(6 \times 10^{5} \mathrm{psi}\right)\right]\)

(a) Briefly describe sandwich panels. (b) What is the prime reason for fabricating these structural composites? (c) What are the functions of the faces and the core?

Briefly describe laminar composites. What is the prime reason for fabricating these materials?

(a) What is the distinction between matrix and lispersed phases in a composite material? b) Contrast the mechanical characteristics of natrix and dispersed phases for fiber-reinforced composites.
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