DIAMOND AND GRAPHITE

BY DIYAR ALASSAF
STRUCTURE FOR DIAMOND AND
GRAPHITE
 STRUCTURE OF DIAMOND

Diamond is a giant network solid that has giant covalent

lattice structure. In the lattice structure, each carbon atom

makes four strong covalent bonds with other four carbon

atoms in a tetrahedral shape in three dimensions. There are

numerous strong covalent bonds inside the lattice.

 STRUCTURE OF GRAPHITE

Graphite has a giant covalent structure, in which each

carbon atom is joined to other three carbon atom by covalent

bonds. The carbon atoms form layers with a hexagonal

arrangement of atoms. These layers have weak intermolecular

forces between them.

 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES FOR DIAMOND

Has a very high melting and boiling point: Diamond is a giant

network solid that has giant covalent lattice structure.
Therefore, a huge amount of heat energy is needed to
overcome the giant covalent bonds and break the lattice.
• Melting point: 3550 C
• Boiling point: 4830 C
• Doesn’t conduct electricity: Diamond is considered an
insulator, because there are no free moving electrons and all
electrons are held in strong covalent bonds.
• Diamond has a high density: Diamond has a very strong
covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Therefore, there will
be high amount of carbon atoms per unit in a fixed volume.
• Diamond is insoluble in water: Between carbon atoms, there
are strong covalent bonds, and these strong covalent bonds
hold carbon atoms. Diamond couldn’t dissolve in H2O or any
type of solvents, since the carbon atoms are held together by
strong forces, therefore, solvents won’t be able too overcome
the solvents and make it dissolve.
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES FOR GRAPHITE
• Graphite has a low density: Graphite has a low density, and is
considered less dense than diamond, this is because between the
sheets, there are weak intermolecular forces, and doesn’t have strong
bonds.
• Conducts electricity: In graphite, the carbon atoms are delocalized,
therefore, electrons could move freely to carry charge and act as a
mobile carrier.
• Has a high melting and boiling point: In graphite, there are strong
force of attraction between carbon atoms, therefore, a huge amount
of heat energy is needed to overcome the forces between carbon
atoms.
 APPLICATIONS FOR DIAMOND

• Industries: Since diamonds have a remarkable strength, it

could be used in industries to cut tools, polishing and drilling
tools.
• Jewelry: Diamonds are used in jewelry, such as earrings and
rings, due to their shinny lustre. They are used in jewelries
due to their unique properties.
 APPLICATIONS FOR GRAPHITE

• Nuclear Reactors: Graphite can absorb fast moving neutrons.

Therefore, it is used to stabilize nuclear reactions.
• Refractories: Graphite is used to produce materials such as
steel and glass, since it has a high tolerance to heat and high
energies.