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

3307 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Experiment results show that butane has a higher boiling point than propane, explain why.


Assuming 100% yield, calculate the maximum volume of ammonia that could be produced from 1200dm3 of hydrogen, measured at room temp and pressure.


By discussing the structure and bonding properties of chlorine and sodium chloride, explain why chlorine is a gas at room temperature but sodium chloride is a solid.


Draw a dot and cross diagram of a Chlorine molecule showing the outer electrons only.


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