Final answer:
Graphite and diamonds are polymorphs of carbon, meaning they have the same composition but different crystal structures. Graphite has a hexagonal lattice structure with carbon atoms arranged in flat sheets, making it soft and slippery. Diamonds, on the other hand, have a three-dimensional network structure with strong covalent bonds, giving them their hardness and transparency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Graphite and diamonds are polymorphs because both are made up of carbon atoms.
A polymorph is a substance that can exist in more than one crystal structure or form. Graphite and diamonds are examples of polymorphs of carbon. They have the same composition, but different arrangements of the carbon atoms give rise to their different properties.
Graphite consists of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The carbon atoms are bonded together in flat sheets, which slide past each other easily, making graphite soft and slippery. On the other hand, diamonds have a three-dimensional network structure, with each carbon atom bonded to four neighboring carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. The strong covalent bonds between the carbon atoms give diamonds their hardness and transparency.