topic 1 - allotropes of carbon

what is an allotrope?

different forms of the same element in the same physical state

what are some examples of allotropes of carbon?

diamond and graphite

what is a giant covalent structure?

when millions of atoms are joined together by covalent bonding

what is diamond?

a giant covalent structure in a pyramid shape

what does the structure of diamond consist of?

one carbon atom covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms

does diamond have a high melting and boiling point?

yes because a lot of energy is needed to break the covalent bonds

can diamond conduct electricity?

no because there are no free electrons or ions to carry a charge

diamond is…

the hardest natural substance on earth

what is graphite?

a giant covalent structure in a hexagonal shape

what does the structure of graphite consist of?

one carbon atom covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms

does graphite have a high melting and boiling point?

yes because a lot of energy is needed to break the covalent bonds

can graphite conduct electricity?

yes because there is one outer electron left to carry a charge

graphite is very soft because…

its layers can easily slide over each other due to weak forces of attraction between them