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

1866 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

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


Why are Limestone structures eroded by acid rain?


What are the effects of pressure changes for a system in equilibrium.


What does the periodic table show you?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences