Explain why graphite conducts electricity.

As carbon is in group 4 of the periodic table it has 4 electrons that it can share with other atoms to form covalent bonds. In the graphite structure, only 3 of these electrons are used for forming covalent bonds which means there is one free electron, which we describe as delocalised. Therefore, each carbon atom in graphite has a delocalised electron that can carry charge throughout the structure, which results in graphite conducting electricity.

Answered by Joshua F. Chemistry tutor

1521 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how crude oil is split into fractions? Give an example of a substance collected at the top of the column. [5 marks]


What is ionic bonding and covalent bonding?


Magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid to form a salt. What volume of 0.2dm(-3) HCL is required to react with 4g of Magnesium? Give answer in cm(3).


Why is Florine more electronegative than oxygen


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences