Why is graphite brittle

It is a strong, rigid three-dimensional structure that results in an infinite network of atoms. This accounts for diamond's hardness, extraordinary strength and durability and gives diamond a higher density than graphite 3. Because of its tetrahedral structure, diamond also shows a great resistance to compression. The hardness of a crystal is measured on a scale, devised by Friederich Mohs, which ranks compounds according to their ability to scratch one another. Diamond will scratch all other materials and is the hardest material known designated as 10 on the Mohs scale.

It is the best conductor of heat that we know, conducting up to five times the amount that copper does. Diamond also conducts sound, but not electricity; it is an insulator, and its electrical resistance, optical transmissivity and chemical inertness are correspondingly remarkable.

Moreover, diamonds disperse light. This means that the refractive indices for red and violet light are different 2. As a result, the gemstone acts like a prism to separate white light into rainbow colors, and its dispersion is 0.

The greater the dispersion, the better the spectrum of colors that is obtained. This property gives rise to the "fire" of diamonds. It is formed as a result of the reduction of sedimentary carbon compounds during metamorphism. Contrary to common belief, the chemical bonds in graphite are actually stronger than those that make up diamond. However, what defines the difference in hardness of the two compounds is the lattice structure of the carbon atoms contained within; diamonds containing three dimensional lattice bonds, and graphite containing two dimensional lattice bonds layers of carbon sheets.

While within each layer of graphite the carbon atoms contain very strong bonds, the layers are able to slide across each other, making graphite a softer, more malleable material. Extensive research over hundreds of years has proved that graphite is an impressive mineral showing a number of outstanding and superlative properties including its ability to conduct electricity and heat well, having the highest natural stiffness and strength even in temperatures exceeding degrees Celsius, and it is also highly resistant to chemical attack and self-lubricating.

However, while it was first identified over a thousand years ago and first named in , it has taken a while for industry to realise the full potential of this amazing material. Graphite is one of only three naturally occurring allotropes of carbon the others being amorphous carbon and diamond.

The difference between the three naturally occurring allotropes is the structure and bonding of the atoms within the allotropes; diamond enjoying a diamond lattice crystalline structure, graphite having a honeycomb lattice structure, and amorphous carbon such as coal or soot does not have a crystalline structure. While there are many different forms of carbon, graphite is of an extremely high grade and is the most stable under standard conditions.

Therefore, it is commonly used in thermochemistry as the standard state for defining the heat formation of compounds made from carbon. It is found naturally in three different forms: crystalline flake, amorphous and lump or vein graphite, and depending on its form, is used for a number of different applications.

As previously touched upon, graphite has a planar, layered structure; each layer being made up of carbon atoms linked together in a hexagonal lattice. These links, or covalent bonds as they are more technically known, are extremely strong, and the carbon atoms are separated by only 0.

Double click twice on first atom, drag to second atom and double click again. Please enter your answer in the space provided: angstroms.

Graphite is can be described as a hard and crystalline b soft and slippery c a dark liquid d made only of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Diamond is a made only of carbon and hydrogen atoms b the hardest substance know to man c soft and slippery d clear and brittle 3. What makes diamond so hard? Which statement best describes why graphite is soft?

Which of the following statements is not correct a both carbon and diamond are made of only carbon atoms b graphite has only weak forces between its layers c graphite and diamond have the same density d in diamond each carbon is the same distance to each of its neighboring carbon atoms More Molecules. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Questions or Comments? So, you cannot sheet or forge a graphite as steel for example. Graphite is NOT ductile. It is actually brittle and does break if you bend it.

The atomic structure of graphite actually consists of covalent bonds. When you bend pieces of graphite, they will crumble since there is weak forces in the graphite. Allotropes of carbon Diamond is extremely strong and highly unreactive, while graphite is soft and brittle.