Question 3(a)(i)
[Maximum number: 1]
This question is about elements and compounds.
Some properties of graphite, oxygen and carbon monoxide are shown in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1
Explain why graphite conducts electricity when solid.
CAIE IGCSE Chemistry Diamond and Graphite Structure and Uses
Practise linking graphite's layers and mobile electrons to lubrication and electrodes and diamond's rigid bonded network to cutting applications.
How this is tested
- explain graphite lubrication because weak forces allow its carbon layers to slide over one another
- justify graphite electrodes using mobile electrons for conduction together with chemical inertness
- link diamond's hardness to a rigid three-dimensional covalent network for cutting tools