Why can graphite conduct electricity?

Graphite is a mineral whose molecular structure is made up of carbon atoms. 

A carbon atom can bind up to 4 other atoms around it (it has 4 electrons in its outer-most shell which it can share with other atoms to form bonds).

However in graphite each carbon atom only bonds to 3 others around it- this means there is an electron spare which becomes 'delocalised'.

This means that it is donated to form a common pool of electrons which can flow through the molecule carrying charge and so conducting electricity. 

AS

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Which has a lower boiling point chlorine or bromine, and why?


What is the effect of increasing the temperature on the rate of reaction?


Write a balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of pentane.


What mass of MgCl2 is formed in the following equation if 48g of Mg react in the following equation: Mg + 2HCI -> MgCI 2 + H