Question

why is graphite a good conductor of electricity and a good lubricant? explain with the help of diagram

Answer 1

In graphite each carbin is sp2hybridized. Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms in the same plane giving a hexagonal array.One of these bonds is a double-bond, and thus the valency of carbon is satisfied. Graphite structure is formed by the hexagonal arrays being placed in layers one above the other.

Structure of graphite.

Due to this these layers can slip over each other so graphite has a slippery surface. Hence it is used as a lubricant.

Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Its structure is the main reason for this property. Each carbon atom in graphite is directly linked to only three carbon atoms through covalent bonds. Therefore, out of the four valence electrons in a carbon atom, only three are used for bonding and the fourth is relatively free and can move from one carbon atom to the other. These free electrons make graphite a good conductor of electricity and also a good lubricant.

Answer 2

Answer:

In a graphite molecule , one valence electron of each carbon atom remains free, therefore graphite gained a name of good conductor of electricity.