Why does graphite conduct electericity but diamond does not if both substances have a giant covalent structure?

Graphite consists of carbon atoms joined together. Since carbon has 4 unpaired electrons in it's outer shell, it can form a maximum of 4 covalent bonds by sharing each of it's unpaired electrons with another atom. However, each carbon atom forms only three covalent bonds with other carbon atoms in graphite. This means that there will be one unpaired electron that remains unbonded in each carbon atom. This electron is referred to as delocalised as it is unbonded. When a current is passed through graphite, the delocalised electrons are able to freely move which allows the current to continue doen the graphite, making graphite a conductor of electricity even if it has a giant covalent structure. Bonded electrons however, cannot move and therefore cannot pass on a current. Diamond, which also has a giant covalent structure, consists of carbon atoms but this time, each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with other atoms. Therefore, all the electrons are bonded and there are no delocalised or unpaired electrons. When a current is passed, there are no free electrons to allow the current to continue through so diamond does not conduct electricity.

PN
Answered by Prithi N. Chemistry tutor

16952 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene no longer accepted for the structure of benzene where the molecular formula is C6H6? Which is more stable and why?


What are the properties of ionic compounds?


What does OILRIG stand for and what is the significance?


Balance this equation: Li(s) + H2O(l) → LiOH(aq) + H2(g)


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