Chapter 12, Problem 12.52QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

• The reason for Diamond being harder than Graphite has to be explained.
• The reason for the presence of electrical conductivity in Graphite and the same absent in Diamond has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Both Diamond and Graphite are “Covalent solids” made of only Carbon atoms.  The Carbon atoms are covalently bonded in a repetitive manner such that a “giant like” macrostructure is established.  Yet the arrangement and alignment of Carbon atoms in Diamond and in that of Graphite is not same.  Due to the arrangement of carbon atoms in both diamond and graphite, the properties of them are not same even though they contain only carbon atoms.