Answer to Question #161034 in Chemistry for Kai

Question

Diamond and graphite are both allotropes of carbon. These minerals chemically consist

of carbon atoms with different physical properties. The atoms consisting of carbon atoms

in that of the diamond and graphite are held together by strong covalent bonds with

different arrangements. The illustrations below shows the structure of diamond (right side)

and graphite (left side). Spot any difference in the bonding behavior of the carbon atoms

in the two forms. Which is stronger, diamond or graphite? And Why?

Answer 1

Diamond is stronger. Carbon atoms in graphite form layers where the carbon atoms have strong bonds on the same plane, but only weak bonds to the layer above or below. In contrast, the carbon atoms in diamonds have strong bonds in three dimensions resulting in the formation of a strong structure.