Diamond is a better conductor of heat than graphite. This conclusion is based on the significantly higher thermal conductivity of diamond compared to graphite.
Explanation:
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Thermal Conductivity of Diamond: Diamond has the highest thermal conductivity of any known solid, with a value of 30 W/cm·K at room temperature. This is 7.5 times higher than that of copper, a metal known for its excellent thermal conductivity. The high thermal conductivity of diamond is attributed to its strong covalent bonding within the crystal lattice, which allows for efficient phonon-mediated heat transfer. The rigidity of the diamond lattice, which contributes to its hardness, also favors high thermal conductivity.
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Thermal Conductivity of Graphite: Graphite, another allotrope of carbon, has a layered structure with weaker bonds between the layers. This structure allows for easier movement of heat within the layers but significantly hampers the transfer of heat between the layers. As a result, graphite's thermal conductivity is much lower than that of diamond.
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Practical Applications and Implications: The high thermal conductivity of diamond is utilized in various applications, such as in electronic thermal probes used by jewelers and gemologists to distinguish diamonds from imitations. In these probes, a rapid temperature drop is observed when the diamond conducts heat away from the copper tip, a phenomenon not seen with less thermally conductive materials. Additionally, diamond's high thermal conductivity is crucial in its use for machining, grinding, and cutting, where it effectively dissipates the heat generated at the tool-workpiece interface.
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Stability and Metastability: Although diamond is thermodynamically less stable than graphite at normal temperature and pressure, the transformation from diamond to graphite is extremely slow due to a high activation energy barrier. This metastability of diamond allows it to exist and function effectively in various applications, including those where high thermal conductivity is essential.
In summary, the superior thermal conductivity of diamond, driven by its unique crystal structure and strong covalent bonds, makes it a better conductor of heat than graphite. This property, combined with its other exceptional characteristics, positions diamond as a material of significant technological importance.
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