Question

How strong is graphite?

Answer 1

Graphite: Graphite is an allotrope of carbon. It is derived from a Greek word called graphene.

• It has a layered structure. Each layer is a planar sheet.
• It is composed of hexagonal rings of carbon atoms with 3 electrons of each atom involved in single bonds with three adjacent atoms of hexagonal rings.
• The extra electron makes a very weak bond with the adjacent layer.
• The inter-layer distance can be easily changed. This makes graphite very soft.
• Graphite is used in pencils and lubricants.
• It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
• Graphite is very weak because the layer it is made of is very weakly bounded amongst each other.