Diamond, the hardest naturally occurring substance, owes its properties to its distinct structural f — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Diamond consists of $sp^3$ hybridized carbon atoms in a giant tetrahedral 3D network. Because all four valence electrons are tightly held in strong localized $\sigma$ bonds, it lacks free electrons and acts as an electrical insulator (not a conductor). However, its rigid lattice allows excellent thermal conductivity via phonons.