4.2.3 Structure and bonding of carbon

Question 1

Describe the shapes of diamond, graphite and silicon dioxide

Answer 1

Diamond and Silicon Dioxide are formed as one atom connecting to 4 other atoms. It starts at the top with 1 atom connecting to 1, then that atom connecting to 4, and so forth. Silicon has Oxygen atoms between Silicon formations, but looks the same.

Graphite is shaped as hexagon shaped atoms connected to other shapes like a hex formation, in layers. One atom connects to three other atoms

(This is a description to help the viewer understand how they look. The student may describe this differently, or could draw this)

Question 2

Explain why graphite conducts electricity?

Answer 2

There are delocalized eletronsthat are free to move through the structure

Question 3

State why diamond is hard but graphite is soft.

Answer 3

Diamond is hard as it’s shape allows carbon to connect to 4 other carbons, completing it’s outer shell and strengthening the bond.

Graphite is soft because it’s layers are able to slide over each other

Question 4

How man bonds does each carbon make in diamond?

Answer 4

4 bonds

Question 5

What is an allotrope?

Answer 5

Each of two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist.