Why does graphite conduct electricity and diamond does not

These electrons are free to move between the layers in graphite, so graphite can conduct electricity. This makes graphite useful for electrodes in batteries and for electrolysis. The forces between the layers in graphite are weak. This means that the layers can slide over each other. This makes graphite slippery, so it is useful as a lubricant. Explain why diamond does not conduct electricity and why graphite does conduct electricity.

Diamond does not conduct electricity because it has no charged particles that are free to move. Graphite does conduct electricity because it has delocalised electrons which move between the layers. Diamond and graphite Diamond and graphite are different forms of the element carbon. Diamond Structure and bonding Diamond is a giant covalent structure in which: each carbon atom is joined to four other carbon atoms by strong covalent bonds the carbon atoms form a regular tetrahedral network structure there are no free electrons Carbon atoms in diamond form a tetrahedral arrangement Properties and uses The rigid network of carbon atoms, held together by strong covalent bonds, makes diamond very hard.

Graphite Structure and bonding Graphite has a giant covalent structure in which: each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with other carbon atoms the carbon atoms form layers of hexagonal rings there are no covalent bonds between the layers there is one non-bonded - or delocalised - electron from each atom Dotted lines represent the weak forces between the layers in graphite Properties and uses Graphite has delocalised electrons, just like metals.

At degrees Celcius, most metals will become floppy. Diamond is hard, but very brittle. Difficult is an understatement. To turn graphite into diamond you need an extremely high temperature — above degrees Celcius — and pressure beyond kbar nearly times of our normal atmosphere pressure. In short: graphite trumps diamond. Her current research focuses on building materials to be used in the safe operation of nuclear reactors.

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