Two forms of solid carbon, diamond and graphite, differ in their physical properties due to the differences in their
1. atomic numbers
2. crystal structures
3. isotopic abundances
4. percent compositions
Answer (3)
(1) atomic numbers (2) crystal structures (3) isotopic abundances (4) percent compositions
Answer ;
Crystal structure
**Explanation; **
-Diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon, they differ in physical properties.
-In graphite, carbon atoms are covalently bonded to form sheets or what we call hexagonal layers, and these sheets are held together by weak inter-molecular forces called vander waal forces. This makes the layers to slide over each other , a property that makes graphite soft and slippery.
-In Diamond, carbon atoms are bonded by strong covalent bonding forming a tetrahedron shaped solid of Diamond which makes it a very hard solid.
The physical properties of diamond and graphite differ primarily due to their crystal structures. Diamond has a strong tetrahedral structure, making it hard, while graphite has layers of atoms that allow it to be soft and slippery. Thus, the correct answer is option 2: crystal structures.
;
