"Two different forms of carbon – diamond and graphite have different structures and very different physical…
"Two different forms of carbon – diamond and graphite have different structures and very different physical properties even though their chemical properties are same." Explain why.
Solution
In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms forming a rigid three dimensional structure. This makes diamond the hardest substance known.
In graphite, each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms in same plane giving a hexagonal array being placed in layers one above the other this makes graphite a smooth and slippery substance.
Both diamond and graphite are composed of carbon, therefore their chemical properties are same. / Both are allotropic form of Carbon.