Question

What are the similarities and differences you would expect in the properties of silicon and diamond?

Answer 1

To a first approximation the physical properties of silicon and diamond are similar.

Explanation:

Both silicon and diamond are non-molecular materials, and each consists of tetrahedral carbon or silicon in a tetrahedral array. Because `Si-Si` bonds are longer than `C-C` bonds we would predict that less energy is required to disrupt them, and that therefore, the melting point of elemental silicon should be lower than that of diamond.

And now your job. Look up the melting points of silicon and diamond, and see if they conform to what we have written here.