Graphite conducts electricity and has a slippery feel. Which of the following informed these properties?
A. Graphite is a black soft solid B. Bonding in graphite involves delocalized pi - electrons, and a pair of slidding layers are connected by London forces C. Carbon atoms in graphite are covalently bonded D. each carbon atom in graphite is bonded to three others
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Graphite conducts electricity and has a slippery feel because only three of the four outer electrons of the carbon atom are bonded to other carbon atoms. This provides one electron per carbon atom for conduction of electricity. It also allows carbon atoms to form sheets rather than a three dimensional crystal.ach diamond atoms on the other hand is attached to four other carbon atoms, leaving no electron for electrical conductivity. Graphite is the only non metal that can conduct electricity.