Why is graphite softer than diamond if they are made up from the same covalently bonded carbon atoms?

Diamond is an extremely strong and rigid substance because of its molecular structure, which is giant covalent structure. This means that every carbon is covalently bonded to 4 other carbon molecules to form one big 3 dimensional structure, which is responsible for the hard and rigid properties of diamond. Graphite has a different molecular structure because each carbon only bonds to 3 other carbon atoms in a 2 dimensional hexaganol formation. These are covalent bonds just like in the diamond, so these flat structures are just as strong as diamond. Now, the part that makes the graphite softer than diamond is that the flat 'sheets' of carbon are bonded together by a much weaker bond than covalent bonds , called Van Der Waals forces. These are the bonds that break first to make graphite a soft substance.

GW
Answered by George W. Chemistry tutor

22578 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

An equilibrium between hydrogen and nitrogen to make ammonia. Explain what would happen to the amount of product if a) pressure was increased b) temperature was increased c) a catalyst was added. Energy change -92KJ/mol


What mass of calcium carbonate would you need to react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce 10 g calcium chloride?


Explain in terms of structure why giant ionic lattices have high melting and boiling points. [4]


Explain why chlorine is more reactive than iodine(3 marks)


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences