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
Answered by Aneesh S. Chemistry tutor

25940 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you describe the greenhouse effect?


During fractional distillation, what are we seperating and how are we seperating them?


Please describe how temperature, concentration and the use of a catalyst affects rate of reaction.


What transformations occur when turning limestone to quicklime then to slaked lime?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning