What variable will determine if light passes through diamond, but not through graphite?
A) the amount of protons present
B) the arrangement of the electrons
C) the arrangement of the nuclei
D) the color of the different bond types

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The arrangement of electrons in the crystal lattice structure determines whether a material is transparent or not. In diamond, the carbon atoms are arranged in a tetrahedral lattice structure, which allows for a large band gap and efficient transmission of light. In contrast, graphite has a layered lattice structure that causes absorption and scattering of light, making it opaque. The amount of protons present and the arrangement of the nuclei would not affect the material's transparency, and the color of the bond types is not relevant to this question.

What Variable Will Determine If Light Passes Through Diamond, but Not