Question

Explain the following. 

Diamond, graphite and fullerenes are crystalline forms of carbon. 

Answer 1

1. A crystalline form of carbon has a regular and definite arrangement of atoms.
2. In a diamond, each carbon atom is linked to four other carbon atoms by covalent bonds. Therefore, a diamond has a tetragonal three-dimensional structure. Hence a regular and definite structure of atoms is found in diamond.
3. In graphite, each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms in such a way that a hexagonal layered structure is formed. Thus, the regular arrangement of atoms in graphite is in layers.
4. In fullerene, C₆₀ atoms are joined to each other in pentagonal and hexagonal arrangements. As a result, the structure of fullerene is like a football. The molecules of fullerene are found in the form of buckyballs and buckytubes.
5. Since diamond, graphite and fullerene have definite shapes, sharp edges and plane surfaces, they are in crystalline form. Hence, Diamond, graphite and fullerenes are crystalline forms of carbon.