Question:

Choose the correct statement:

Updated On: May 2, 2025
  • Diamond and graphite have two dimensional network.
  • Diamond is covalent and graphite is ionic.
  • Diamond is sp3 hybridised and graphite is sp2 hybridized.
  • Both diamond and graphite are used as dry lubricants.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question asks which statement is correct regarding the structure and properties of diamond and graphite. To determine the correct answer, let us analyze each option: 

1. Diamond and graphite have a two-dimensional network.

2. Diamond is covalent and graphite is ionic.

3. Diamond is sp3 hybridized and graphite is sp2 hybridized.

4. Both diamond and graphite are used as dry lubricants.

Understanding the correct structural and property differences between diamond and graphite will help in choosing the correct statement:

  • Option 1: Both diamond and graphite do not have two-dimensional networks. Diamond is known for its three-dimensional tetrahedral network which results in a very hard structure, while graphite has a two-dimensional planar layered network, which provides its slippery feel.
  • Option 2: Both diamond and graphite are forms of carbon and hence have covalent bonding. Graphite is not ionic.
  • Option 3: This is the correct statement. Diamond exhibits sp3 hybridization, resulting in a strong 3D network. Graphite, on the other hand, shows sp2 hybridization that leads to its layered structure.
  • Option 4: While graphite is indeed used as a dry lubricant due to its layered structure allowing the layers to slide over each other, diamond is not used as a lubricant. Diamond is extremely hard and used for cutting tools.

Therefore, the correct statement is: Diamond is sp3 hybridized and graphite is sp2 hybridized.

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Concepts Used:

Tetravalence of Carbon

The valency of carbon is - 4 (Four). Tetravalency of Carbon is the ability of carbon to bond with the other 4 atoms of carbon or atoms of other monovalent elements. The term 'Tetra' means ‘Four’ and the term ‘Valency’ means ‘Combining capacity’. When carbon is said to be Tetravalent, it means that the valency of carbon is 4 and it can form 4 covalent bonds with other atoms. Catenation is the ability of carbon to form bonds of covalent nature with other carbon atoms.

Electronic Configuration and Valency of Carbon:

The valency of carbon can be described by understanding the Electronic Configuration of Carbon. There are two types of the electronic configurations of carbon:

  • Carbon at ground state: A ground-state atom is an atom in which the total energy of electrons cannot be let down by transferring one or more electrons to different orbitals. In the ground state carbon, all electrons are in the lowest possible energy levels. Although carbon has 4 electrons, it can make only 2 bonds because it has only 2 unpaired electrons in ground state carbon.
  • Carbon at excited state: A carbon is said to be in an animated state when the total energy of electrons can be taken down by transferring an electron from the 2P orbital to the 2S orbital. In the animated state of carbon, there are 4 unpaired electrons so it can make bonds with 4 other atoms.