Carbons forms many allotropes. Which of the given allotropes of carbon is the hardest?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is option 1. Diamond.
Among the given allotropes of carbon, Diamond is the hardest. Diamond is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a three-dimensional network structure, where each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. These strong covalent bonds result in a tightly packed and rigid structure, making diamond the hardest naturally occurring substance known. Therefore, the correct answer is Diamond.