Question

The density of diamond is…………..than that of graphite.
A. Greater
B. Lesser
C. Same
D. None

Answer 1

Hint: To get the answer, you should first recall their structure and try to get an idea about the density. Diamond has a more compact structure compared to graphite. Now, you can easily answer this question.

Complete step by step answer:

As we already know both diamond and graphite are made entirely out of carbon.

In a diamond, the carbon atoms are arranged tetrahedrally. Each carbon atom is attached to four other carbon atoms with a C-C-C bond angle of 109.5 degrees. It is a strong, rigid three-dimensional structure that results in an infinite network of atoms.

The carbon atoms in graphite are also arranged in an infinite array, but they are layered. These atoms have two types of interactions with one another. In the first, each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms and arranged at the corners of a network of regular hexagons with a 120-degree C-C-C bond angle. These planar arrays are held together by weaker forces known as stacking interactions. The distance between the two layers is longer than the distance between carbon atoms within each layer.
Hence, we can say that due to the more compact structure, diamonds have a higher density than graphite.
In numbers, densities of diamond and graphite are 3.5 g/mL and 2.3 g/mL.

Therefore, the correct option to this question is A.

Note: You should know that density is a very important feature of minerals. It depends on the atomization of the atom in the lattice, so its value is significant for the identification of the minerals themselves.
The carat (ct), is a unit of mass equal to 200 mg (0.00705 oz) and is used for measuring gemstones and pearls.