Question

The number of free electrons in the outermost shell of carbon in graphite is:

• A. four
• B. one
• C. two
• D. three

Answer 1

The correct option is B one

The number of free electrons in the outermost shell of carbon in graphite is one. Each $C$ atom is $s{p}^2$ hybridised. Each $C$ atom forms 3 covalent bonds with 3 other $C$ atoms. Thus, each $C$ atom has one electron in unhybridized $2p$ orbital which it uses for $\pi$ bonding.