Question

Graphite is a soft lubricant extremely difficult to melt. The reason for this anomalous behaviour is that graphite

• A. has Carbon atoms arranged in flat parallel layers of rings of strongly bound Carbon atoms with weak interlayer bonds.
• B. is a noncrystalline substance
• C. is an allotropic form of Carbon.
• D. has the only a single bond between Carbon atoms.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

has Carbon atoms arranged in flat parallel layers of rings of strongly bound Carbon atoms with weak interlayer bonds.

The explanation for correct option:

Option (a): have Carbon atoms arranged in flat parallel layers of rings of strongly bound Carbon atoms with weak interlayer bonds

1. Graphite is one of the important allotropes of Carbon with Carbon atoms arranged in flat parallel layers with strongly bound Carbon atoms with weak interlayer bonds.
2. Due to the presence of weak interlayer bond Graphite is soft compared to other allotropes of Carbon that is, Diamond.

The explanation for incorrect option:

Option (b): is a noncrystalline substance

1. Graphite and diamond are two crystalline allotropic forms of Carbon.
2. Therefore, the given statement is not true.

Option (c): is an allotropic form of Carbon.

1. Graphite, Diamond and Fullerene are allotropic forms of Carbon.
2. Diamond is the hardest known substance.
3. But, Graphite is soft to touch.
4. Therefore, allotropic forms of Carbon is not the reason for the softness of Graphite.

Option (d): has the only a single bond between Carbon atoms.

1. Graphite has the structure in which Carbon atoms are arranged in flat parallel layers.
2. And there is only single bond between the atoms.
3. But, this is not the reason for the softness of Graphite.

Therefore, The correct answer is option (a), that is, have carbon atoms arranged in flat parallel layers of rings of strongly bound carbon atoms with weak interlayer bonds.