Question

write short note on graphite. account for one of its properties from the structure.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Graphite is one of the allotrope of carbon. It is the only nonmetal which is a good conductor of heat and electricity the properties of graphite is

It shows lubricant properties . Lump graphite, also called vein, is found all over the world, but commercially mined only in Sri Lanka. This element is grayish black to steel gray in color and can mark impressions on the substrate. Because of this marking property possessed by graphite, it is used in the manufacture of pencils and gets its name from the Greek word 'graphein', which means 'to write'. Its physical and chemical properties make it a unique chemical substance.

Physical State  

The mineral graphite is steel gray to black in color and is odorless. It is opaque and has a sub-metallic luster. It is known to have a very soft and greasy texture. It can be broken easily and leaves a black streak on the hand when touched. Although graphite is soft and flexible, it is not elastic in nature.

Structure

This element is crystalline in nature; however, perfect crystals of graphite are rarely found. The carbon atoms in its structure are arranged in a hexagonal manner in a planar, condensed ring system. This gives the graphite crystals a hexagonal shape. Different layers of this element are stacked together and held by weak covalent forces to form a giant covalent structure.

Melting Point

Graphite has a high melting point above 3000ºF, similar to that of diamond―the other allotrope of carbon. Hence, it is stable over a wide range of temperatures.

Density

As there is a lot of vacant space between the graphite sheets held by the weak covalent bonds, and the density of graphite is 2.09 to 2.33 g/cc, which is lower than that of diamond. The measured specific gravity of this element is approximately 2.26 g/cc. However, it depends upon the purity of graphite. Graphite with a higher ash content shows a specific gravity higher than 2.26, while its natural form has a lower specific gravity or density due to the trapped porosity.

Solubility

Chemical Properties  

➤ Graphite is chemically inert to almost all chemicals.

➤ It burns completely when heated in oxygen to form carbon dioxide. However, it fails to burn in air, even if it is heated to high temperatures.

➤ When heated in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate, graphite gets oxidized to carbon dioxide.

➤ Due to its chemical inertness and stability at high temperatures, it is widely used as a refractory material.

Uses of Graphite

Manufacture of 'lead' used in pencils

Refractories

Steel making

Lubricant

Making electrodes

Manufacture of polishes and paints

Molds in foundry

This was all about the properties and uses of graphite. The unique properties of this carbon compound are responsible for its use in a variety of applications.

Graphite is insoluble in water as well as other organic solvents. There are no attractive forces that occur between the solvent molecules and the carbons atoms in its structure, and thus, it fails to dissolve in any of the organic solvents.

Electrical Conductivity

There is a vast delocalization of electrons within the carbon layers of graphite. The delocalized electrons are free to move and are able to conduct electricity, thus, making graphite a good conductor of electricity.