Why can graphite conduct electricity but not diamond?

In graphite, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms. One of the four outer shell electrons of each carbon atom is therefore not engaged in bonding, and becomes delocalised. These delocalised electrons are free to move around the structure, carrying charge and allowing graphite to conduct electricity.

However, in diamond, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms. All four of the outer shell electrons in each carbon atom are engaged in bonding, leaving no delocalised electrons free to move around the structure and carry charge.

TA
Answered by Tierney A. Chemistry tutor

91833 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Draw the chemical structures of butane, butene and butyne.


Give the characteristics of a homolgous series.


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?


Aspirin C9H8O4 is made when salicylic acid C7H6O3 reacts with ethanoic anhydride C4H6O3 . The equation for this reaction is: C7H6O3 + C4H6O3 → C9H8O4 + CH3COOH Calculate the maximum mass of aspirin that could be made from 100 g of salicylic acid.


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