Explain why graphite conducts electricity

Carbon is the atom that makes up graphite. Carbon is in group 4 of the periodic table, this means that Carbon has 4 electrons in its outer shell. In graphite each Carbon atom forms three covalent bonds, this means that one electron per carbon atom is delocalised. The delocalised electrons can therefore carry the charge throughout the structure, meaning graphite can conduct electricity.

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Answered by Fiona D. Chemistry tutor

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