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.

Answered by Leah O. Chemistry tutor

1903 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction?


When nitrogen and hydrogen react in the Haber process the reaction can reach a dynamic equilibrium. Explain what is meant by the term dynamic equilibrium.


What are the relative charges of the proton, neutron and electron?


Name Group 0 in the periodic table. What is the tree in boiling points and why?


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