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The difference between graphite and diamond is in the three-dimensional
arrangement of the carbon atoms in the material. Graphite is made of flat
sheets of carbon atoms in a hexagonal arrangement. The sheets stack one
over the other, with only weak interactions between sheets. Diamond is not
arranged in sheets; instead, each carbon atom is connected to four others in
a tetrahedral arrangement. It turns out that this arrangement is not as
different from the structure of graphite as it sounds. If the sheets of
graphite are compressed close enough together, the carbon atoms will be in
just about the right position to make the bonds of diamond. In fact, at
high temperatures and pressures, this indeed happens.

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00349.htm

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โˆ™ 15y ago
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โˆ™ 6mo ago

Diamond and coal are both composed of carbon atoms, but their structural arrangement is different. In diamond, carbon atoms are arranged in a rigid, three-dimensional lattice structure, making it the hardest natural substance. In coal, carbon atoms are arranged in a disordered structure, resulting in its soft and brittle nature.

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Q: What is the structural difference between diamond and coal?
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Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What kind of rock is diamond?

Diamond is a form of carbon that has been subjected to high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth's mantle. It is classified as a mineral rather than a rock.


What is the difference between a natural landform and a natural resource?

A natural landform is the valleys and hills that nature has created. A natural resource is the coal, oil and iron ores, and so on.


What does this solid carbon become part of?

Solid carbon (C) may be diamond, graphite, coal, carbon black etc.


What is Pennsylvania's most valuable mineral?

Coal is the most valuable mineral in Pennsylvania. The state has abundant coal reserves, making it a significant contributor to the state's economy and energy production.


What is the specific gravity of sapphire?

"If you have ever watched one of the older Superman films, you may have seem the famous clip where Superman turns a chunk of coal into a diamond. This is impossible. The density of coal is 1,330kg/m^3 whereas for diamond it is 3,520,000,000 kg/m^3. When diamond is divided by coal, we learn that diamond is 2,646,616.5414 times more dense than coal. If Superman really was to turn coal into that perfect diamond he would need 9316kg of coal, that is about four or five SUVs. That would be cool." .... Ah.. no. The density of diamond is typically around 3,500 kg/m3, and thus has a relative density of 3.5 i.e. a density 3.5 times that of water. If the density was 3,520,000,000 (!) as stated above, a ladies wedding ring, with a volume of 1cm^3 (big rock!) would weigh (i.e. have a mass of) 3,520 kg!! That's over 3 tonnes. Not even a Bavarian Barmaid could handle such a ring! Superman could achieve his feet, though his diamond would be one third the volume of the coal he started with.

Related questions

How do coal and diamond differ?

Coal and diamond are both made of carbon, but they have different structures that give them distinct properties. Coal is formed from decaying plant matter under pressure, while diamond is formed under extreme heat and pressure in the Earth's mantle. This difference in formation makes coal soft and brittle, while diamond is the hardest known natural material.


Can coal change into a diamond?

Yes, coal can change into a diamond through a process called metamorphism, which involves high pressure and high temperature deep within the Earth's crust. Both coal and diamond are made of carbon atoms, but the arrangement of the atoms is different, resulting in the difference in their physical properties.


What is the only difference between coal and a diamond?

The only difference between coal and a diamond is their crystal structure. Both are made of carbon atoms, but diamonds have a crystal lattice structure that gives them their hardness and brilliance, while coal has a disordered structure that makes it softer and opaque.


What is the link between coal and diamond?

Both coal and diamond are made of carbon atoms, but their formation processes are very different. Coal is formed from decaying plant matter under high pressure and heat over millions of years, while diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extremely high pressure and heat. This difference in formation conditions leads to the distinct properties and value differences between coal and diamonds.


Is diamond and coal minerals?

Yes. Both diamond and coal are formed from carbon.


Will a diamond turn back into coal?

No,The process in which turns coal into diamond cannot be reversed or "undone"


Why is coal referred to as black diamond?

Probably because both coal and diamond are composed of carbon.


Coal and diamond are two different forms of carbon which is more dense?

Diamond is more dense than coal. This is because diamond has a more tightly packed crystal structure, making it denser compared to coal which is less compact.


Which element is found in coal and diamond?

Both coal and diamond contain the element carbon. However, the arrangement of carbon atoms in coal and diamond differs, leading to their vastly different properties.


Is coal stronger than diamond?

No, coal is not stronger than diamond. Diamond is one of the hardest known natural materials, while coal is much softer and less durable.


Is coal a black diamond?

No, coal and diamonds are two distinct substances. Coal is a fossil fuel formed from prehistoric plants, while diamonds are crystalline forms of carbon. Both may be used for various purposes, but they have different compositions and properties.


What is the difference between coal mined in the Appalachians and in western states?

coal in the western areas has a lower energy content