4.2.3.2 - Graphite

What type of structure is graphite?

A giant covalent structure

How many bonds does each carbon in Graphite form?

Each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with three other carbon atoms

What shape are the layers in graphite?

Hexagonal rings

Describe the structure of graphite.

In graphite, each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with three other carbon atoms, forming layers of hexagonal rings

Which have no covalent bonds between the layers.

Are there bonds between the hexagonal layers in graphite?

No covalent bonds

There are only held together weakly by intermolecular forces

What is one property of graphite (due to its layers) ? (and why)

Graphite is soft and slippery (making it ideal as a lubricating material)

As there are no covalent boon between the layers, the weak intermolecular forces holding them allow the layers to freely move over each other

Does graphite have a low or high melting and boiling point?

High melting point

The covalent bonds in the layers need loads of energy to break

Can graphite conduct electricity? (and why)

Graphite can conduct electricity and thermal energy

This is as in graphite, one electron from each carbon atom is delocalised.

This electron can then move and carry charge or thermal energy