Graphite Structure

Graphite Structure

Property

Diamond

Graphite

Appearance

Transparent, colourless, solid

Shiny, grey, solid

Conduction

No

Yes

Feel

Smooth, not slippery

Smooth, slippery

Harness

Yes

No

In graphite each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 3 others (strong bonds). The 4th electron is DELOCALISED and moves along the layers. This is why graphite can conduct. It forms layers of strongly bonded carbons which explains it’s smoothness and slipperiness. The layers which are formed are in a hexagonal shape, The bonds between the layers are weak which explains why it is soft.

Atomic Size:

 
 
 
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