Question

How does Methane and Diamond differ in terms of structure and properties?

Answer 1

Hint :Methane has a chemical formula $ C{H_4} $ , And as we know diamond is simply denoted as $ C $ .We all know methane is in the form of gas at normal conditions and diamond exist in solid form with its atoms arranged in crystal structure known as diamond cubic.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Methane $ (C{H_4}) $ has tetrahedral structure as it has $ 4 $ hydrogen and one carbon which is $ s{p^3} $ hybridized.
All the carbons in diamond are $ s{p^3} $ hybridized, but it does not exist as a discrete molecule. It has $ 3 - D $ structure and each carbon has four bonds with other four carbons.
Talking about properties, Methane is a gas and diamond is a solid at room temperature. Methane is highly flammable while diamond is inflammable. Methane is more reactive as compared to diamond. When methane is converted into solid form it is hard but diamond is the hardest.

Note :
All the properties are stated with the help of structure of any compound. Basically, structure includes size of molecule, types of bond in-between them, interaction between the molecules within the structure. Slight changes in this structure can affect both physical and chemical properties.
Some compounds have the same chemical formula but their structure is different. For example: diamond and graphite are isomers of carbon. They both have the same chemical formula but the structure is different and also have different physical properties.