Diamond

Question 1

Describe the structure of a diamond

Answer 1

• A huge network of atoms held together by strong covalent bonds
• each carbon is covalently bonded to four other carbons
• no free electrons (so it can’t conduct)

Question 2

Properties of a diamond

Answer 2

very hard — due to four covalent bonds very high melting point doesn’t conduct electricity (no free electrons) colourless and transparent insoluble in water