Graphite

Question 1

What is graphite ?

Answer 1

A giant covalent molecule

Question 2

What are the key properties of graphite ?

Answer 2

Soft and slippery
High melting and boiling point
Good conductor of electricity and heat

Question 3

Explain the structure of graphite ?

Answer 3

1. Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms
2. They form hexagonal rings of carbon atoms that are arranged into layers with no covalent bonds between these layers
   meaning
3. they can slide over each other

Question 4

Why is graphite soft and slippery ?

Answer 4

It is arranged in hexagonal layer which are not covalently bonded meaning they can slide over each other

Question 5

What is graphite often used as ?

Answer 5

A lubricant in machines

Question 6

Why does graphite have a high melting and boiling point ?

Answer 6

Contains large numbers of covalently bonded carbon atoms
Covalent bonds are strong meaning they require large amounts of energy in the form of heat to overcome

Question 7

Why is graphite a good conductor of electricity and heat ?

Answer 7

Graphite is formed from covalently bonded carbon atoms that bond to three other carbon atoms
This means there is a sea of free delocalized electrons that are free to move meaning graphite can conduct a charge