What type of structure is graphite?
A giant covalent form of carbon.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Chemistry — Foundation · 5.2.3.2
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What type of structure is graphite?
A giant covalent form of carbon.
How are carbon atoms bonded and arranged within a graphite layer?
Each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, creating flat sheets of hexagonal rings.
Why does each carbon atom in graphite contribute one delocalised electron?
Only three of its electrons are used in covalent bonding, leaving one electron delocalised.
Why does graphite conduct electricity?
Its delocalised electrons can move through the structure.
Why does graphite have a high melting point?
The strong covalent bonds within its layers require a lot of energy to break.
Why is graphite soft and slippery?
There are no covalent bonds between its layers, so they can slide over one another easily.