Carbon naturally occurs in two forms: diamond and graphite. Why do these two forms have very different properties? The key difference is that diamonds have other elements bonded within their structure. The differences are explained by the number of covalent and ionic bonds within each substance. The differences are explained by the density: graphite is very high and diamond is much lower. The differences are explained by how the carbon atoms within each substance are covalently bonded together.

Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
9th Edition
ISBN:9781337399425
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter12: Chemical Bonding
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 8CR
icon
Related questions
Question

Carbon naturally occurs in two forms: diamond and graphite. Why do these two forms have very different properties?

  • The key difference is that diamonds have other elements bonded within their structure.
  • The differences are explained by the number of covalent and ionic bonds within each substance.
  • The differences are explained by the density: graphite is very high and diamond is much lower.
  • The differences are explained by how the carbon atoms within each substance are covalently bonded together.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Group 14 Elements
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337399425
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry by OpenStax (2015-05-04)
Chemistry by OpenStax (2015-05-04)
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781938168390
Author:
Klaus Theopold, Richard H Langley, Paul Flowers, William R. Robinson, Mark Blaser
Publisher:
OpenStax
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781133611097
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach
Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079243
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Cour…
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Cour…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305580343
Author:
Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Publisher:
Cengage Learning