Chapter 12, Problem 61E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether diamond or graphite shows the greater density needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

In diamond, it has a tetrahedral arrangement of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is attached to four other carbon atoms via covalent bonds with $1.544\times {10}^{-10}$ meter distance and with 109.5⁰ bond angle. It is a strong and rigid 3D structure that results in an infinite network of atoms.

Graphite is also arranged in an infinite array, but it has a layered structure. Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms and arranged at the corners of a network of regular hexagons with a 120⁰ bond angle. These planar arrays are held together by stacking interactions which are weaker forces. The distance between two layers is $3.347\times {10}^{-10}$ meter and distance between carbon atoms within each layer is $1.418\times {10}^{-10}$  meter. This 3D structure is related for the physical properties of graphite.