Why is graphite thermodynamically stable

This delocalization adds up to its thermal stability. Because of its compact structure, it has high density and is the hardest substance known. Coal is an amorphous allotropic form of carbon.

It does not have a defined structure or geometry and hence is less stable than graphite. Other Related Questions on Inorganic Chemistry.

View all Questions ». You will get reply from our expert in sometime. We will notify you when Our expert answers your question. To View your Question Click Here. View courses by askIITians. Click Here Know More. Full Name. Email ID. Phone no. Select Grade --Please Select Grade-- 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12th pass. The figure provided above, lifted from here , is what we call a phase diagram. On the abscissa is temperature in units of Kelvin and on the ordinate is the pressure given in units of Gigapascals.

For your own reference, 1 GPa is nearly 10, times the pressure we live under, the earth's core is estimated to be over GPa! This diagram represents the input of experimental work and extrapolation with mathematical tools provided by thermodynamics. What this figure shows very clearly is that for a given temperature and pressure which phase is thermodynamically preferred. A line between the diamond and graphite phases represents a phase boundary, and tell us precisely what temperature and pressure are required for these two phases to be in equilibrium.

Our melting temperature therefore depends on phase and pressure. So if you only have two melting points, does that really tell you which is thermodynamically preferred at room pressure 0. No, it does not. It is more subtle than that. So how would we determine the relative stability of graphite and diamond at room temperature and pressure? Hence, we call diamond a metastable phase under STP. Now if you provide a sufficient energy to get over this activation barrier, then you will be able to see what thermodynamics prefers.

Personally, I find this video very compelling. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Is graphite more stable than diamond? Ask Question.