Question

Give reason — Graphite is a soft substance, but diamond is hard.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Diamond is hard because the carbon atoms in diamond are bonded in a stronger tetrahedron pattern but graphite is soft and slippery because the carbon atoms in graphite are bonded in layers with only weak vanderwall force holding the layers together.

Explanation:

hope it is helpful to you..

Answer 2

Answer:

• Both graphite and diamonds are $\red\star$allotropes of carbon.

• Each carbon atoms in diamond undergoes sp³ hybridisation and is linked to four other carbon atoms forming a tetrahedral shape.

• Diamond atoms produce a rigid 3-D shape and it is very difficult to break the bonds in diamond and this makes diamond the hardest substance on earth.

• Graphite on the other hand is sp² hybridised and forms hexagonal ringed structure and the each carbon atoms make three σ bond and one π bond with neighboring atoms.

• Graphite have a less effective covalent bond and so is soft and slippery.

$\red\star$ Allotropes - Allotropes are some chemical elements to exist in more than one form.