Which is the hardest ARTIFICIAL SUBSTANCE known?
Diamond
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance found on Earth. But it is not the hardest substance. Wurtzite boron nitride (synthetic) and lonsdaleite (which comes from meteorites) are both harder.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 10 courses
Which is the hardest ARTIFICIAL SUBSTANCE known?
Hardest Artificial Substance: Diamond
Diamond is widely considered to be the hardest artificial substance known to man. It exhibits exceptional hardness due to its unique atomic structure and strong covalent bonds. Let's delve into the details of why diamond is the hardest artificial substance.
Atomic Structure
- Diamond is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. Each carbon atom is bonded to four neighboring carbon atoms, forming a three-dimensional network.
- This arrangement results in a highly stable and rigid structure, making diamond incredibly strong and resistant to deformation.
- The carbon-carbon bonds in diamond are exceptionally strong covalent bonds, which require a significant amount of energy to break.
Hardness Scale
- The hardness of a substance is measured using the Mohs scale, which assigns a value from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
- Diamond ranks at the top of the Mohs scale with a hardness value of 10, indicating its exceptional resistance to scratching and abrasion.
- This means that diamond can scratch any other substance, including other gemstones, metals, and even other diamonds.
Strength and Durability
- Diamond's hardness directly correlates with its strength and durability. It is incredibly resistant to wear, making it an ideal material for cutting tools and abrasives.
- Due to its high hardness, diamond can maintain its sharpness for a prolonged period, enabling precise cutting and shaping of various materials.
- Diamond's strength also makes it highly resistant to chemical corrosion, further enhancing its durability and longevity.
Industrial Applications
- Diamond's remarkable properties have led to numerous industrial applications, including cutting, grinding, and polishing tools used in the manufacturing and construction industries.
- It is extensively used in the production of high-quality precision instruments, such as diamond-tipped drills, saw blades, and grinding wheels.
- Additionally, diamond's exceptional thermal conductivity makes it a preferred choice for heat sinks and electronic devices.
In conclusion, diamond stands as the hardest artificial substance known to us due to its unique atomic structure, strong covalent bonds, and exceptional hardness. Its remarkable properties have made it indispensable in various industries, showcasing its significance in modern technology and manufacturing processes.
Which is the hardest ARTIFICIAL SUBSTANCE known?
Diamond.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 10 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 10.