Question

Thermodynamically, which form of carbon is the most stable?

• A. Coal
• B. Graphite
• C. Fullerenes
• D. Diamond

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Graphite

Explanation for the correct option:

(B) Graphite

• Graphite contains Carbon atoms having delocalized electrons in each carbon atom.
• The delocalization of the electrons lowers the energy of the whole system or structure of Graphite.
• This leads to stronger bonds between the carbon atoms of the structure.
• This further leads to Thermodynamic stability, which refers to a system being in its lowest energy state or being in chemical equilibrium with the environment.

Explanation for the incorrect :

(A) Coal

• Coal is an Amorphous allotropic form of carbon.
• It does not have a defined structure or geometry.
• Hence, It is less stable than Graphite having a crystalline form.

(C) Fullerenes

• A Fullerene is a crystalline allotrope of carbon whose molecules consist of carbon atoms connected by single bonds or double bonds.
• It has loose stability which helps it take part in the reactions.
• Hence, it is less stable than Graphite.

(D) Diamond

• Diamond is a crystalline allotrope of Carbon.
• It has a rigid and compact structure due to which it takes more energy and time to be formed.
• It has a high enthalpy of formation than Graphite.
• Thus, is less thermodynamically stable than Graphite.

Hence, correct option is (B), Graphite is the most thermodynamic stable form of Carbon.