Bonding structure and the properties of matter — AQA GCSE Practice Question 03.5

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For a substance to conduct electricity, it must have charged particles that are free to move. In graphite, each carbon atom is bonded to three others, leaving one outer electron from each atom delocalised (not fixed in a bond). These delocalised electrons can move through the layers.

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D.There are delocalised electrons in graphite.✓ Correct

There are delocalised electrons in graphite.

Graphite is able to conduct electricity because of its structure. Each carbon atom forms three strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms in its layer. The fourth outer electron of each carbon atom is not involved in bonding and becomes delocalised. These delocalised electrons are free to move along the layers, allowing graphite to carry an electric current.

Common mistakes

✗ Confusing the reasons for different properties (e.g., giving the reason for softness to explain conductivity).

The diagram represents part of the structure of graphite. Which structural feature is the reason that graphite conducts electricity?

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