Question

Which of the following option(s) are characteristic of a graphite?

• A. It cannot conduct electricity.
• B. It is grey in colour.
• C. It is hard.
• D. It is lustrous.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B It is grey in colour.
D It is lustrous.

The characteristics of a graphite are:

• Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms leaving one free electron. It is due to these free electrons that graphite conduct electricity.
• It is lustrous. This characteristic is also due to the presence of free electrons in the graphite structure.
• Adjacent carbon layers in graphite are held by weak forces. These layers slide over each other and thus graphite is very soft.
• It is grey in colour.