Which one of the following statements about diamond and graphite is not correct?

Diamond and graphite are both allotropes of carbon, meaning they are composed of the same element [2]. While they possess vastly different physical properties due to their distinct structural arrangements, their chemical properties are the same [1]. Diamond features a three-dimensional tetrahedral structure where each carbon atom is bonded to four others, making it the hardest known natural substance [1]. In contrast, graphite has a hexagonal planar structure arranged in layers held by weak forces, making it soft and slippery [1]. Furthermore, graphite is a good conductor of electricity because it has delocalized electrons, whereas diamond is an insulator as all its valence electrons are localized in strong covalent bonds [3]. Therefore, the statement claiming that both physical and chemical properties are different is incorrect.

Sources

1. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > Table 3.1 > p. 40
2. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > Allotropes of carbon > p. 61
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: Electricity > Activity 11.3 > p. 179