Explain why diamond cannot conduct electricity but graphite can.

In the atomic structure of diamond, each carbon is bonded to four other carbons using all of its outer electrons, leaving none free to carry a charge. In graphite not all of the electrons are used in bonding, therefore the delocalised electrons are free to move through the structure, carrying a charge.

LB
Answered by Lucy B. Chemistry tutor

9150 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you calculate the amount of moles of a (solid) substance from its mass?


What happens when a reversible reaction is at equilibrium?


An equilibrium between hydrogen and nitrogen to make ammonia. Explain what would happen to the amount of product if a) pressure was increased b) temperature was increased c) a catalyst was added. Energy change -92KJ/mol


Explain why Ethanoic acid has a higher PH than Hydrochloric acid?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning