Bcoz carbon shows polymorphism. Its atoms can form different bonding patterns depending on conditions:
Diamond: each carbon forms 4 strong covalent bonds in a 3D tetrahedral network -very hard.
Graphite: each carbon forms 3 bonds in flat hexagonal layers with weak forces between layers → soft
Diamond: each carbon forms 4 strong covalent bonds in a 3D tetrahedral network -very hard.
Graphite: each carbon forms 3 bonds in flat hexagonal layers with weak forces between layers → soft
How can carbon atoms make both graphite and diamonds? 💎🧪
The answer lies in atomic structure, how those carbon atoms are arranged. @princeton.edu neuroscientist Sebastian Seung explains how this simple shift unlocks dramatic differences in material properties.
Watch here:
The answer lies in atomic structure, how those carbon atoms are arranged. @princeton.edu neuroscientist Sebastian Seung explains how this simple shift unlocks dramatic differences in material properties.
Watch here:
Diamond vs Graphite: Structural Differences
YouTube video by Museum of Science
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Bcoz carbon shows polymorphism. Its atoms can form different bonding patterns depending on conditions:
Diamond: each carbon forms 4 strong covalent bonds in a 3D tetrahedral network -very hard.
Graphite: each carbon forms 3 bonds in flat hexagonal layers with weak forces between layers → soft
Diamond: each carbon forms 4 strong covalent bonds in a 3D tetrahedral network -very hard.
Graphite: each carbon forms 3 bonds in flat hexagonal layers with weak forces between layers → soft