Explain ???

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Although Carbon is a non-metal, but one of its allotrope, Graphite conducts electricity. Why?

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2 Answers

119

Vinayak Agrawal ·2013-04-25 08:51:27

In graphite, every C-atom is bonded to 3 other C-atoms. Tus,There is a valence electron with each C-atom.Hence, graphite conducts electricity.

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Sayan Sinha But then, how come graphite is stable?
Upvote·0· Reply ·2013-06-09 09:14:35
Sayan Sinha
Upvote·0· Reply ·2013-06-10 09:12:54
Sayan Sinha Carbon needs to make 4 bonds in order to have octet. That is how we design structures in organic chemistry. So how is it possible that it is forming only 3 bonds in graphite, keeping the stability...?
Upvote·0· Reply ·2013-06-10 22:33:19
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Abhas Agarwal ·2013-01-17 10:57:06

Graphite can conduct electricity due to the vast electron delocalization within the carbon layers. These valence electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity. However, the electricity is only conducted within the plane of the layers.