Question

Graphite is soft and lubricant, extremely difficult to melt. The reason for this anomalous behavior is that graphite :

• A. has carbon atoms arranged in large plates of rings of strongly bound carbon atoms with weak interplate bonds
• B. is a non-crystalline substance
• C. is an allotrope form of carbon
• D. has molecules of variable molecular masses like polymers

Answer 1

The correct option is A has carbon atoms arranged in large plates of rings of strongly bound carbon atoms with weak interplate bonds

Graphite consists of layers of bonded carbon atoms. Each layer is made up of hexagonally bonded carbon atoms.

The forces of attraction between these layers are weak van der Waals forces.

Due to this, these layers can slide over each other and thus graphite is soft and it can be use as lubricant.