Question

7) State two most important uses of following non -metal

(e) Graphite

Answer 1

Part I - Definition

Graphite is an allotrope of carbon which is lustrous and soft because of presence of layered structured and the layers has weak intermolecular force present between them , hence can be cut easily and rapidly slip past over each other.

Part II - Uses

• Graphite is used as a pencil lead because it is soft and imparts an impression on paper.
• Graphite is used as a lubricant (grease) because it is slippery in nature and the slippery property is attributed to the presence of layered structured and the layers has weak intermolecular force present between them , hence layers can rapidly slip past over each other.