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

3050 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name two types of chemical bonds and describe each type in terms of their bonding structure and properties


What are ionic bonds?


Describe the trend in reactivity down group 1 of the periodic table.


Explain what would happen to the pH of a solution of aqueous hydrochloric acid if you add water.


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