(b) Give any two differences between the properties of diamond and graphite. What causes these differences?

Solution:

Diamonds may be created artificially by exposing pure carbon to extremely high pressures and temperatures.

Synthetic diamonds are different from natural diamonds in terms of their essential structure, but not in other ways. The most noticeable change is in the clarity of the stones. Synthetic diamonds are usually free of intrinsic defects that arose during their creation.

(b)(i) Diamond is a hard substance, whereas graphite is a soft substance.

(ii) Diamond can transmit electricity, but graphite can’t since it’s a poor conductor.

The carbon atom arrangement in these two is distinct, which explains the differences in characteristics. One carbon atom is linked to four others in diamonds to form a tight, cage-like crystal structure that is very hard. One carbon binds with three others to produce flat layers that stack and slide apart like a deck of cards in graphite (as seen by the trail of pencil lead).