Graphite

Topic 2 - Bonding Structure & Properties of Matter
Written By Atheridge Tuition

Graphite is a Giant Covalent Structure.

Explain why Graphite conducts electricity in terms of bonding and structure.

[3 marks]

    • Giant Covalent

    • Carbon atoms only

    • Hexagonal rings

Layers of graphite showing only carbon atoms with covalent bonds in hexagonal rings using ball and stick model.

    • Each Carbon is bonded to three other Carbons covalently.

Bonding of Graphite Carbon atoms with each Carbon atoms being bonded covalently to three others, leaving one electron delocalised.

  • Carbon is in group 4. So it has 4 electrons in its outer shell.

    • 3 of the electrons are shared for the 3 covalent bonds.

    • 1 electron is delocalised (free)

    The delocalised electrons carry charge through the structure.

Dot and Cross diagram of Graphite Carbon atoms bonded with one another, showing three covalent bonds each with one delocalised electron, which allows conducting of electricity and charge to flow through.
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