What are the differences in structures of diamond and graphite? And how do they relate to their chemical properties and uses?

Although both are... 1. Alltotropes of carbon, i.e. both are composed of carbon. 2. Giant covalent structures. Which are composed of non-metal aroms, held adjacently by covalent bonds. These atoms are arranged in a regular repeating strucutre known as a lattice. The high quanity of bonds : surface area ratio makes both carbon and diamond very strong. Differences 1. Diamond: each carbon atom bonds to 4 other carbon atoms, WHILST, Graphite: each carbon atom bonds to 3 other carbon atoms. Thus, diamond bears more of a tetrahedral structure, whereas graphite takes the form of layers. The presence of layers means that atoms can slide over each other easily. Thus, graphite's use as a lubricant. The 4th electron isn't involved in bonding and thus is free to move in between layers and is able to carry electricity. Hence, graphite is a weak conductor of electricity. 3. Diamond has stronger intramolecular bonds than graphite. As a result more energy is required to overcome the bonds existing in diamond. Therefore, diamond has a higher boiling point. Also, diamond is used for drilling, cutting, etc which is indicative of it's strength. 

SD
Answered by Sundas D. Chemistry tutor

111383 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What mass of sodium hydroxide would need to be dissolved to make 100 cm^3 of a 0.5 mol dm^-3 solution? (3 marks)


Describe and explain how changes in the earth atmosphere, from the Precambrian Era (where the earth as occupied by volcanoes), have changed to form the surface of the Earth today and its atmosphere.


What happens to the reactivity of Group 1 elements going down the group and describe why that trend occurs?


What is oxidation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning