Explain why graphite can conduct electricity.

Graphite is structured as layers of carbon atoms arranged in 6 atom planar rings. Each carbon atom forms three bonds to neighbouring atoms meaning that each eatom has an unbonded alectron. This unbonded elctron is delocalised into the ring, so there are 6 delocalised elctrons per ring. These delocalised elctrons are free to carry charge throughout the structure, hence graphite conducts electricity when a potential difference is applied. 

LW
Answered by Lorna W. Chemistry tutor

5206 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why chlorine is more reactive than iodine(3 marks)


Why is this reaction an Endothermic reaction?


why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?


How does increasing the temperature of the reactants in a reaction affect the rate of said reaction?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning