A machine uses a pointed solid tip to engrave identification codes into hard ceramic components. During use, the tip must resist scratching and keep its shape.
The same-shaped tips made from three materials were tested.
| Material | Minimum force needed to scratch the tip in N | Minimum force needed to deform the tip by 0.10 mm in N |
|---|---|---|
| X | 820 | 960 |
| Y | 140 | 210 |
| Z | 430 | 380 |
Material X is diamond.
Explain why material X is the most suitable material for the engraving tip and why its structure gives it the properties shown in the table.
68 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Chemistry 2.3 Structure and bonding of carbon, covering 2.3.1 Diamond, 2.3.2 Graphite, and 2.3.3 Graphene and fullerenes. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.