The hardest of the following solids is__________________?

Correct answer: B. diamond

  • A. sodium
  • B. diamond
  • C. graphite
  • D. magnesium

Explanation

Diamond is exceptionally hard because each carbon atom forms four strong covalent bonds in a rigid three-dimensional network. Sodium and magnesium have metallic bonding, while graphite has weak forces between its carbon layers, allowing it to slide. The common mistake is choosing graphite because it is also made of carbon, but its layered structure makes it soft.

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About Crystalline Solids

Crystalline solids contain particles arranged in a regular repeating lattice described by a unit cell. Their study includes coordination number, packing efficiency, density, anisotropy, cleavage, polymorphism and common crystal systems, along with ionic, molecular, covalent network and metallic crystals. Crystalline order differs from the random arrangement of amorphous solids.

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