Carbon: Key concepts in chemistry

Number of bonds between atoms in diamond

4

Allotrope

Different forms of the same element

Number of bonds between atoms in graphite

3

Properties of diamond

Translucent, Hard, High melting point, Does not conduct electricity

Uses of diamond

cutting tools and jewellery

Properties of graphite

Soft, Slippery, good conductor of heat and electricity

Reason graphite is soft

Weak forces between layers which can slide over each other.

Reason graphite and graphene conduct electricity

One spare electron is delocalised and can carry charge through the layerr

Graphene

A single layer of graphite one atom thick.

Uses of graphene

Electronics and composites

Composite

Materials made of two or more different materials, containing a matrix and a reinforcement.

Fullerene

A large cabon molecule with a hollow shape

Buckminsterfullerene (bucky ball)

Carbon molecule C60, 60carbon atoms arranged in the form of hollow sphere.

Carbon nanotubes

Tiny, hollow tubes made of carbon atoms with a high length to diameter ratio

Properties of carbon nanotubes

High tensile strength, high electrical and thermal conductivity

Uses of carbon nanotubes

Electronics, strong materials