Allotropes of Carbon Flashcards
Bonding, Structure, and Properties of Matter (18 cards)
What type of structure does diamond have?
Giant covalent structure made up of carbon atoms
Each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds, contributing to diamond’s hardness.
Why is diamond considered very hard?
Strong covalent bonds require a lot of energy to break
This results in diamond having a very high melting point.
Does diamond conduct electricity?
No, it does not conduct electricity
Diamond has no free electrons or ions.
How are carbon atoms arranged in graphite?
In sheets arranged in hexagons
Each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds.
What makes graphite soft and slippery?
Weak forces between layers allow them to move over each other
This property makes graphite ideal for lubricating materials.
What is the melting point of graphite?
High melting point
The covalent bonds in the layers require a lot of energy to break.
How many outer electrons are used in bonds by carbon in graphite?
Three out of four outer electrons
This leaves one electron delocalised, allowing conductivity.
Does graphite conduct electricity?
Yes, it conducts electricity
The delocalised electrons can move freely.
What is graphene?
A sheet of carbon atoms joined in hexagons, one atom thick
Graphene is a two-dimensional substance.
What are the properties of graphene?
Very strong and incredibly light
Can be used to improve composite materials without adding much weight.
Can graphene conduct electricity?
Yes, it can conduct electricity
It contains delocalised electrons throughout its structure.
What are fullerenes?
Molecules of carbon shaped like closed tubes or hollow balls
The first fullerene discovered was busbinaterfullerene.
What is the basic structure of fullerenes?
Carbon atoms arranged in hexagons, with possible pentagons or heptagons
This structure allows for unique properties.
What is one potential use of fullerenes?
To ‘cage’ other molecules
This could be applied in drug delivery systems.
How can fullerenes be utilized in industry?
As catalysts due to their large surface area
Individual catalyst molecules can be attached to fullerenes.
What are carbon nanotubes?
Finy carbon cylinders
They can conduct electricity and thermal energy.
What is the tensile strength of nanotubes?
High tensile strength
They do not break when stretched.
What is nanotechnology?
Technology that uses very small particles like nanotubes
It can be applied in electronics or to strengthen materials without adding much weight.
