C2 - Diamond

• What are the properties of diamond?

  Very high melting point

  • Large amount of energy needed to overcome the strong covalent bonds

  Hard substance

  • Each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms
• Why can't diamond conduct electricity?

  • All the outer electrons are in covalent bonds
  • No delocalised electrons that are free to move through the structure and carry charge
• Diamond has a high melting point.

  Explain why. [3 marks]

  • Diamond is a giant covalent structure
  • Strong covalent bonds between atoms
  • Large amount of energy is needed to overcome these bonds