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

1492 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Which of the Group 7 elements has the highest boiling point and why?


Calculate the number of moles in 23.0g of CO2? ( relative atomic mass : Carbon=12, Oxygen=16)


In terms of electrons, what happens when magnesium atoms react with oxygen atoms to produce magnesium oxide?


What is ionic and covalent bonding?


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences