1.

Diamond is harder than graphite because

Answer»

Graphite is planar
DIAMOND has FREE electron
Graphite is `sp^(3)` hybridised
None of these

Solution :In the crystalline lattice of diamond, each carbon atom is linked to FOUR other carbon atoms tetrahedrally by using `sp^(3)`-hybrid orbitals giving rise to a rigid three dimensional network of carbon atoms. For this reason, diamond is extremely hard. Graphite has a HEXAGONAL layer structure in which each carbon atom is linked to to three other carbon atoms by using `sp^(2)` hybrid orbitals. the hexagonal layers in graphite are held together by weak vander WAAL's force. For this reason, graphite is soft.


Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions