Chemistry
With reference to the structure of the two crystalline allotropes of carbon, state why diamond is inert or unreactive while graphite is comparably more reactive.
Answer
In diamond, due to the linking of each carbon atom with four neighbouring carbon atoms forming a rigid tetrahedral structure, there are no free or mobile electrons. This makes diamond inert.
Graphite has a more open structure than diamond with one valence electron of each carbon atom remaining free which makes it more reactive than carbon.
Related Questions
Name two crystalline and four amorphous allotropes of carbon.
Compare the structure of the crystal of diamond & graphite with special reference to the reason for diamond being the hardest natural substance while graphite one of the softest. Compare the electrical & thermal conductivity of the two crystalline allotropes of carbon.
State the reasons for
(a) Use of diamond - as an item of jewellery.
(b) Use of graphite -
(i) as a lubricant for heated machine parts,
(ii) as a lining for crucibles used in manufacture of high grade steel
(iii) as an electrode in electroplating.
State in brief the transformation of vegetable matter to different types of coal varying in carbon content. State two uses each of
(a) coal
(b) coke
(c) lampblack or soot