In terms of structure and bonding, explain why graphite is able to conduct electricity.

Carbon is in group 4 of the periodic table therefore has 4 electrons in its outer shell which are available for bonding. Each carbon atom in graphite forms 3 covalent bonds with another carbon atom within the structure. This results in one electron per atom being “free”. This “free” electron is known as a delocalised electron and is able to move through the structure, carrying charge therefore allowing graphite to conduct electricity. 

HK

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

An isotope of Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 and a mass number of 15. How many electrons, neutrons, and protons does an atom of this isotope have?


How does covalent bonding work?


Bromine has an atomic number of 35 but has two stable isotopes- bromine-79 and bromine-81. Given that 51% of bromine atoms are bromine-79 and 49% are bromine-81%, work out the relative atomic mass of bromine to the nearest whole number.


If 20 kg of calcium carbonate was reacted with excess sodium chloride in the following reaction (2NaCl+CaCo3-->Na2Co3+CaCl2) what is the maximum mass of sodium carbonate that could be made?