Describe and explain the similarities and differences between the structures of diamond and graphite.

Diamond and graphite are both allotropes of carbon. This means they are both made up of carbon atoms arranged differently and exist in the same physical state. They both have a giant covalent structure.Diamond has a tetrahedral structure and is the hardest material known to man. There are strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms and each carbon atom is bonded to 4 other carbon atoms.Graphite has a hexagonal layered structure and each carbon is bonded via strong covalent bonds to 3 other carbon atoms. However, between each layer there are weak van der Waal's forces. Delocalised electrons allow graphite to conduct electricity.