Thursday 16 May 2013

TRIPLE:1.45 explain how the uses of diamond and graphite depend on their structures, limited to graphite as a lubricant and diamond in cutting

Diamond and Graphite Part II

Diamond is very hard and abrasive (strong covalent bonds that are difficult to break and it does not conduct electricity as there is no delocalised electrons. This makes it suitable to be used for cutting tools on drills because it is so abrasive. Diamond is also used for jewellery because shiny rocks seem attractive to humans.

Graphite is soft and slippery (forces of attraction between the layers are weak so the layers easily slide over one and another so can be easily separated). Graphite also conducts electricity, as there is a fourth electron that is delocalised between the layers and are free to move parallel to the layers. It is used as a lubricant because it is slippery and soft and because it is an conductor it is perfect for electrodes for electrolysis.

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