Why can graphite conduct electricity but diamond cant?

Electricity is the movement of charge and therefore something charged must move to carry this charge. graphite carbon atoms make 3 covalent bonds with the adjacent atoms however carbon has 4 electrons in its outer shell (its in group 4) (if needed explain the periodic table and structure of the atom) which leaves one electron free to move across the molecule and carry the charge. diamond makes 4 bonds and therefore there are no free electrons to carry the charge.

LO
Answered by Leah O. Chemistry tutor

2958 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Using the % yield calculation (please state), what is the percentage yield for the reaction of calcium oxide with water to produce calcium hydroxide if the theoretical yield is 4.0g but only 1.5g is produced?


What is the difference between an alkene and an alkane ?


What is the general formula of alkanes


Name the sub-atomical particles in the nucleus and their relative charges?


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