What accounts for the electrical conductivity in graphite?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the reason for electrical conductivity in graphite. Graphite is a form of carbon with a layered structure, and electrical conductivity is related to how electrons move within the material.
Answer
Graphite conducts electricity due to free electrons moving between layers of carbon atoms.
Graphite's electrical conductivity is due to its unique atomic structure. Each carbon atom has valence electrons that can move freely between layers, allowing it to conduct electricity.
Answer for screen readers
Graphite's electrical conductivity is due to its unique atomic structure. Each carbon atom has valence electrons that can move freely between layers, allowing it to conduct electricity.
More Information
Graphite is made of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. These layers are held together by weak Van der Waals forces, allowing electrons to move freely within the layers.
Tips
A common misconception is that all forms of carbon conduct electricity. Diamond, for example, does not conduct electricity because its electrons are tightly bound.
Sources
- What are the structure and properties of graphite? - MWI - mwi-inc.com
- Graphite Electrical Conductivity –A Complete Guide - East Carbon - eastcarb.com
- Why does graphite conduct electricity? - BBC Science Focus ... - sciencefocus.com
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