Question

Graphite conducts electricity because of :
(a) Weak van der Waal’s forces between layers
(b) Covalent bonding between carbon atoms
of layers
(c) Delocalized electrons in each layer
(d) sp² hybridisation of carbon atoms in a layer

Answer 1

The answer is (d) sp² hybridisation of carbon atoms in a layer

Answer 2

(c) Delocalized electrons in each layer

Explanation:

Graphite is composed of flat two-dimensional sheets of carbon atoms. Each sheet is a hexagonal net of C atoms. The 3e− of C from σ bond & 4th electron is a πe− and is delocalized over the whole sheet. So it is mobile. Conduction of electricity is due to these delocalized electrons within each layer. Conduction does not occur from sheet to another.

Option C is the answer.