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General Science • ChemistryMedium

Consider the following statements regarding allotropes of carbon: 1. Diamond is a three-dimensional network solid where each carbon atom is sp3 hybridized and bonded tetrahedrically. 2. Graphite is a soft, slippery material whose layers are held together by strong covalent bonds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only✓ Correct Answer
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

💡 Solution & Explanation

Diamond features carbon atoms bonded covalently in a rigid three-dimensional tetrahedral lattice characterized by sp3 hybridization, making it exceptionally hard. Statement two is incorrect because graphite layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces rather than strong covalent bonds, allowing the layers to slide past each other easily. Graphite exhibits electrical conductivity due to delocalized pi electrons.

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