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Diamond is harder than graphite because...

Diamond is harder than graphite because

A

Graphite is planar

B

Diamond has free electron

C

Graphite is `sp^(3)` hybridised

D

None of these

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

The correct Answer is:
D
In the crystalline lattice of diamond, each carbon atom is linked to four other carbon atoms tetrahedrally by using `sp^(3)`- hybrid orbitals giving rise to a rigid three dimensional network of carbon atoms. For this reason, diamond is extremely hard. Graphite has a hexagonal layer structure in which each carbon atom is linked to three other carbon atoms by using `sp^(2)` hybrid orbitals. The hexagonal layers in graphite are held together by weak van der Waals forces. For this reason, graphite is soft.
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