C2- giant covalent molecules

Question 1

what type of structure is diamond?

Answer 1

a giant covalent structure

Question 2

what is the bonding like in a diamond element?

Answer 2

• each carbon atom is joined to four other carbon atoms by strong covalent bonds
• the carbon atoms form a regular tetrahedral network structure
• there are no free electrons

Question 3

what is the structure and bonding like in graphite?

Answer 3

• each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with other carbon atoms
• the carbon atoms form layers of hexagonal rings
• there are no covalent bonds between the layers
• there is one non-bonded - or delocalised - electron from each atom

Question 4

what are the properties of diamond?

Answer 4

very hard and a high melting point

Question 5

what are the properties of graphite?

Answer 5

can conduct electricity, useful as lubricant as has weak forces

Question 6

what are the properties of graphene?

Answer 6

• has a very high melting point

- is very strong