Question

Why diamond is hard and graphite is soft

Answer 1

The molecular structure is different. Carbon atoms in graphite are bonded in layers with only weak covalent bonds holding the layers together. When you write with a pencil some of the layers detach from the pencil lead and attach to the paper. Carbon atoms indiamond are bonded in a stronger tetrahedron pattern

Answer 2

Answer:

Diamond is hard and graphite is soft because the intermolecular forces of graphite is very weak compare to diamond .

Explanation:

They both compound have covalent bonding in structure .The carbon atoms in diamond are connected in a stronger tetrahedron structure, whereas the carbon atoms in graphite are bonded in layers with only a weak vanderwall force holding the layers together. So , because of intermolecular force of graphite are weak compare to diamond , thus diamond is hard and graphite is soft

So , due to this reason the diamond is hard and graphite is soft .

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