structure and properties of diamond

diamond is an allotrope of carbon - what is an allotrope?

Allotropes are structures that have the same chemical properties but different physical properties due to differences in structure and bonding.

how many covalent bonds should carbon form to gain a full outer shell?

because carbon is in group 4, it will need to make four covalent bonds to gain a full outer shell

how many bonds does carbon form in diamond?

4 - Each carbon is bonded to four other carbons

what is true about diamond’s hardness and strength and why is this?

diamond is very hard and strong

• because the giant covalent structure in diamond is so rigid, it is resistant to scratches and keeps its shape even when a force is applied to it

• diamond is the hardest natural structure

what is true about diamond’s ability to conduct electricity and why is this?

diamond cannot conduct electricity

• because each carbon forms 4 covalent bonds, there are no delocalised electrons

• because of this, no charge can be carried through the structure  so no electricity can be conducted