Graphite can be converted into synthetic diamond under

Options

A. very high pressure and at high temperature
B. very high pressure and at low temperature
C. low pressure and at high temperature
D. low pressure and at low temperature

Answer

A

Explanation

The density of diamond `(3.5 g cm^(-3))` is much greater than that of graphite `(2.2 g cm^(-3))`. So a simple application of the Le Chatelier principle indicates that diamond formation from graphite is favored under the conditions of high pressure because on increasing pressure, the equilibrium shifts in that direction which results in a decrease of volume or an increase of density. Further more, to overcome the considerable activation energy barrier accompanying the rearrangement of covalent bonds, high temperatures are also required.