Graphite Structure Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

How many covalent bonds does each carbon atom form in graphite?

Three covalent bonds, with three other carbon atoms.

How are the carbon atoms arranged in graphite?

In layers of hexagonal rings, with no covalent bonds between the layers.

How many electrons from each carbon atom are delocalised in graphite?

One electron from each carbon atom is delocalised.

Why does graphite conduct electricity?

One delocalised electron per carbon atom is free to move through the structure, carrying charge.

Why is graphite soft and slippery?

There are no covalent bonds between the layers, so the layers can slide over each other.

True or false? Graphite is similar to metals in that it has delocalised electrons.

True. Both graphite and metals have delocalised electrons, so both conduct electricity and thermal energy.