Allotropes of Carbon

• What are the two allotropes of carbon discussed in today's video?

  Diamond and graphite
• What are allotropes?

  Different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state
• What are some examples of allotropes of carbon?

  Diamond, graphite, and fullerenes
• What is the structure of graphite?

  • Giant covalent structure
  • Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms
  • Atoms arranged in hexagons forming large flat sheets
  • Layers held together weakly, allowing them to slide over one another
  • Still has a high melting point due to strong covalent bonds within layers
• What is the structure of diamond?

  • Giant covalent structure
  • Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms
  • Forms a regular 3D pattern
  • Very strong with a high melting point
  • Does not conduct electricity due to lack of free electrons
• Why is diamond very strong?

  Because it has a regular lattice of strong covalent bonds
• Why does diamond have a high melting point?

  It requires a lot of energy to break the strong covalent bonds
• Why does diamond not conduct electricity?

  It has no free electrons or ions
• How does the bonding in graphite differ from that in diamond?

  In graphite, each carbon is bonded to three other carbons instead of four
• What is the arrangement of atoms in graphite?

  Atoms are arranged into hexagons forming large flat sheets
• What is a single layer of graphite called?

  Graphene
• What happens to the spare electron in graphite?

  It becomes delocalized and can move around
• What property of graphite allows it to conduct electricity?

  The presence of delocalized electrons
• Why is graphite relatively soft compared to diamond?

  Because the layers can slide over one another due to weak interlayer forces
• What should viewers do if they enjoyed the video?

  Give a like and subscribe
• What can scientists do with graphene?

  They can isolate it to make other structures like spheres and tubes
• What will be covered in the next video?

  Other allotropes of carbon, including graphene and fullerenes