Question

explain the following in terms of structure and bonding:
1) diamond is harder than graphite
2) C60 fullerene has a lower melting point than graphite
3) graphite conducts electricity
4)diamond does not conduct electricity

Answer 1

Answer:

(a)diamond is harder than graphite becoz of the arrangement of molecules.......graphite is arranged by layers hence it is less stronger than compare to diamond

Answer 2

Answer:

1) in diamond, each carbon atom forms 4 covalent bond in tetrahedral structure. whereas, in graphite the carbon atoms on;y form 3 covalent bonds, it create hexagonal pack of sheet of carbon.

3) each  C atoms in graphite only form 3 bonds so there is one electron left over on each atom. these delocalised electrons are free to move throughout the layer.

4) all the outer shell electron in diamond are held tightly in covalent bonds and unable to move around. so no delocalised electron.

Explanation: