Question

Graphite conducts electricity because of

• A. Weak Vander Waal's forces between layers
• B. Covalent bonding between carbon atoms of layers
• C. Delocalized electrons in each layer
• D. $s{p}^2$ hybridisation of carbon atoms in a layer

Answer 1

The correct option is C Delocalized electrons in each layer

Graphite is composed of flat two-dimensional sheets of carbon atoms. Each sheet is a hexagonal net of C atoms. The $3e^{-}$ of C from $\sigma$ bond & $4^{th}$ electron is a $\pi e^{-}$ and is delocalized over the whole sheet & is thus mobile. Conduction of electricity is due to these delocalized electrons within each layer. Conduction does not occur from sheet to another.