Where do you want to go ?

Are there Really Only Three Phases ?

Click here to animate the graphite structure.

Click here to animate the diamond structure.

Even a pure substance can exist in more than one phase .

Diamond Structure of Carbon

Diamond structure obtained from the Wikipedia Commons

Graphite Structure of Carbon

Animated diagram of graphite structure obtained from Wikipedia Commons, created by Brian0918

Lesson
2A Blog

Confused and have questions? We've got answers. With Chegg Study, you can get step-by-step solutions to your questions from an expert in the field. If you rather get 1:1 study help, try 30 minutes of free online tutoring with Chegg Tutors.

Roll your mouse over this box to close.

Join Learn Thermodynamics Advantage

Download Data Tables
Download Study Aids
Homework problem hints and answers
Get Help from Dr. B in the LT Blog
120 day membership

Click here to Log-In to your LTA account

Get it ALL for $5 US

Lesson 2A: page 5 of 13

Are there really only 3 phases ?
No ! There are an unlimited number of phases !
Diamond and graphite are both pure carbon, but they are entirely different phases with different properties and price tags.
Diamond exhibits perfect 3-dimensional symmetry around each and every carbon atom.
Graphite on the other hand has planes or sheets of carbon atoms with the carbon atoms in adjacent sheets lined up directly above and below each other.
This subtle difference in structure makes all the difference in the world in properties as well as price.
Don’t be fooled. Graphite and diamond ARE different phases !

Are there Really Only Three Phases ?

Diamond Structure of Carbon

Graphite Structure of Carbon

Ch 2, Lesson A, Page 5 - Are there Really Only Three Phases ?