Study for the AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your Chemistry assessment!

Diamond is known for its very high melting point, which is a result of its strong covalent bonding structure. Each carbon atom in diamond is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement, creating a rigid and strong network of bonds that requires a significant amount of energy to break. This structural integrity and high bond strength is what gives diamond its characteristic properties, including its impressive melting point, which exceeds 3,500 degrees Celsius.

Other options present properties that do not align with diamond's characteristics. For example, diamond is an excellent insulator of electricity due to the lack of free-moving charged particles, making it unsuitable as a conductor. Additionally, diamond is extremely hard rather than soft and malleable; it is one of the hardest known materials. Lastly, diamond does not dissolve in water since it is non-polar and does not interact with polar solvents like water. Thus, the unique structure and bonding of diamond specifically contribute to its very high melting point.

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