Give reasons:
Diamond is used as an abrasive.
In diamond, the carbon is sp3 hybridised. Each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms with the help of strong covalent bonds. These covalent bonds are present throughout the surface, giving it a very rigid 3-d structure. It is very difficult to break this extended covalent bonding and for this reason, diamond is the hardest substance known. Thus, it is used as an abrasive and for cutting tools.
What are allotropes? Sketch the structure of two allotropes of carbon family namely diamond and graphite. What is the impact of structure on physical properties of two allotropes?
