The document discusses the structural and functional differences between diamond and graphite, noting that diamond has a rigid structure with four strong covalent bonds per carbon atom, making it very hard, while graphite has a layered structure with three bonds per carbon atom and delocalised electrons, allowing it to be soft and conductive. It covers everyday uses, such as diamonds in jewelry and drills, and graphite in pencils and lubricants. Additionally, it encourages research into graphene and fullerenes related to their practical applications.

1. 31/03/2020 Diamond and graphite
KL: To know the differences and uses of diamond and
graphite.
Review of learning:
Explain the differences between metals and non
metals.
How can they be used in everyday life?
Give examples.

2. 31/03/2020 What are the differences between diamond and
graphite?
Learning Outcomes:
Explain the differences between the
structure and function of both
diamond and graphite.
Identify why diamonds are so hard
and this relates to their bonding
structure.
Describe the structure and
bonding of graphite linking to
its properties.
Challenge: Research
graphene and fullerenes
linking them to everyday
uses

3. https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=Vb0Nn8eocQM

4. Graphite forms a giant covalent structure.
Each carbon atom is bonded to three other
carbon atoms by very strong covalent
bonds.
Each carbon atom has a ‘spare’ electron.
All the spare electrons form an ‘electron
cloud’, which is free to move (delocalised).

5. Graphite is used
for pencils and as
a lubricant to
reduce friction on
moving surfaces.

6. An electric current is the movement of free electrons.

7. The layers in graphite
are held together by
weak forces.
These forces are easily
broken.

8. Diamond forms a giant covalent
structure.
Each carbon atom is bonded to
four other carbon atoms by very
strong covalent bonds.
There are no ‘free’ electrons.

9. Diamonds are used for
jewellery and in drills for
cutting through rock.

10. Substance Description Picture
Diamond
A hard, clear non-
metal
Graphite
A soft, slippery,
grey, solid non-
metal

11. Property Diamond Graphite
Melting point 3550oC
3652-3697oC
(sublimes)
Hardness Very hard Very soft
Electrical
conductivity
Poor Good

12. List everything you know about diamond and
graphite.
Diamond Graphite

13. Challenge!
Research graphene and
fullerenes linking them to their
everyday uses.