Allotropes of Carbon Comparison

Chemistry Level 1

Isotopes of elements aren't very special however carbon is, as it has two different allotropes of itself that are known as diamond and graphite that both have very different chemical properties to each other.

how does carbon create two different allotropes of itself with very different chemical properties to each other?

D i a m o n d Diamond

G r a p h i t e Graphite

Due to the different unique lattice structures that carbon atoms can form It is impossible to tell A carbon atom can be found as diamond or graphite When carbon atoms are heated it changes the strength of the element

Domenic Perissinotto by Domenic Perissinotto , 19, Australia

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1 solution

Both diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon with very different chemical properties to each other: diamond is strong while graphite is soft. This is because carbon atoms form two different lattice structures based on how they are formed. Diamond's lattice structure is made up of tetrahedrons made of carbon atoms and is very compact and strong explaining how diamond is strong. Graphite's lattice structure is made up of hexagons made of carbon atoms stacked on top of each other explaining why it is quite soft.

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