6.2.11

Carbon Structures - Graphite

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Graphite

Graphite is an allotrope (form) of carbon. Graphite has the following properties:

Illustrative background for Covalent bondsIllustrative background for Covalent bonds ?? "content

Covalent bonds

  • Each carbon atom in graphite is bonded to 3 other carbon atoms by strong covalent bonds.
  • This creates a giant covalent structure.
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Graphite is soft

  • The carbon atoms form layers of hexagonal (6-sided) rings, with weak intermolecular forces keeping the layers together.
  • The layers can easily slide over one another, so graphite is very soft.
    • This makes graphite useful as a lubricant and as pencil ‘lead’.
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Graphite conducts electricity

  • Each carbon atom forms 3 bonds.
  • This means that there is 1 delocalised electron from every carbon atom.
  • This electron can move freely, so graphite is a good electrical conductor.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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