Question

In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms forming a:

• A. Hexagonal structure
• B. Rigid three-dimensional structure
• C. Football-shaped structure
• D. Ring structure

Hint:

Diamond contains a giant three-dimensional covalent network in which every carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms. This is the primary reason for its exceptional hardness.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Read the question.
In diamond each carbon atom joins to four other carbon atoms. We must name the kind of structure this makes.

Step 2: Count the bonds on each carbon.
Carbon has four outer electrons. In diamond it uses all four to make four strong bonds. \[ \text{Each carbon} \longrightarrow 4 \text{ bonds} \]

Step 3: See the shape around one atom.
The four bonds point to the four corners of a tetrahedron. So the bonds spread out in different directions in space, not in a flat line.

Step 4: Extend to the whole crystal.
This same pattern repeats again and again. Atoms link in every direction and build one giant connected network.

Step 5: Compare with flat layers.
Unlike graphite, diamond has no separate sheets. The whole piece acts like one big rigid solid.

Step 6: Name the structure.
Because the bonds run in all three directions of space, it is a rigid three-dimensional structure. \[ \boxed{\text{Rigid three-dimensional structure}} \]