Which one of the following statements about diamond and graphite is no

Which one of the following statements about diamond and graphite is not correct ?

Diamond has a tetrahedral structure, whereas graphite has a hexagonal planar structure.

Both physical and chemical properties of diamond and graphite are different.

Graphite is soft but diamond is hard.

Graphite is a good conductor of electricity while diamond is not.

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Statement B, “Both physical and chemical properties of diamond and graphite are different”, is arguably the least accurate or potentially misleading statement compared to the others, which are clear factual distinctions. While their physical properties are vastly different, their chemical properties, stemming from being elemental carbon, share some fundamental similarities (e.g., both combust in oxygen to form CO2, although under different conditions and rates). The difference in chemical reactivity is significant due to their structures, but claiming *all* chemical properties are different might be considered an overstatement in some contexts. Statements A, C, and D are unequivocally correct and describe key differences between diamond and graphite. In competitive exams, if multiple statements are true, the question might hinge on identifying the statement that is not *completely* true or contains a subtle inaccuracy or overgeneralization.

– Diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon with distinct crystal structures (tetrahedral for diamond, hexagonal planar layers for graphite).
– These structural differences lead to significant differences in physical properties like hardness, density, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.
– While their reactivity differs significantly (graphite is more reactive than diamond), they are both carbon and participate in similar fundamental chemical reactions like combustion.

– Diamond is an electrical insulator and the hardest known natural material.
– Graphite is a good electrical conductor and is soft, used as a lubricant.
– The difference in properties arises from the difference in bonding and structure: sp3 hybridization in diamond forms a rigid 3D network, while sp2 hybridization in graphite forms layers held together by weak van der Waals forces.
– Statement B is considered “not correct” likely because the term “different” might be interpreted as “completely distinct with no commonalities”, which isn’t strictly true for chemical properties as they are both forms of carbon.

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