Question

Why Graphite is a better lubricant than oil?

Answer 1

Graphite:

• Graphite is an allotrope of carbon.
• In the graphite, each carbon is attached to three other carbon by a single covalent bond and satisfies its fourth valency by forming a pi bond with another carbon atom.
• The structure of graphite consists of an array of hexagonal rings in which layers are held together by Vander Waal force of attraction.
• Due to the presence of weak Vander Waal force of attraction among the layer, they can slide over each other leading to the slippery nature of graphite.
• Hence, graphite is used as a better lubricant due to the slippery nature of graphite.