Why can graphite conduct electricity but diamond cant?

Electricity is the movement of charge and therefore something charged must move to carry this charge. graphite carbon atoms make 3 covalent bonds with the adjacent atoms however carbon has 4 electrons in its outer shell (its in group 4) (if needed explain the periodic table and structure of the atom) which leaves one electron free to move across the molecule and carry the charge. diamond makes 4 bonds and therefore there are no free electrons to carry the charge.

LO
Answered by Leah O. Chemistry tutor

3290 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe what happens when 2 atoms of potassium react with 1 atom of sulphur? Give the answer in terms of electron transfer.


Why does increasing the concentration of a reactant increase the rate of reaction?


I don't understand what exactly a mole is, could you please explain it to me?


Describe why diamond is hard and graphite is soft?


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