why graphite conduct electricity?

Question

why graphite conduct electricity?

Answer 1

Because of the carbon atom arrangement...;

Answer 2

Graphite is made of carbon with hexagonal macromolecular structure layers. This means that every carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms.

As carbon is in Group 4, it has 4 valence electrons, but only 3 are involved in the bonding. The last one is a "free" electron, and hence, like metals, it is able to conduct electricity.

Answer 3

Graphite can conduct electricity due to the vast electron delocalization within the carbon layers. These electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity. However, the electricity is only conducted within the plane of the layers.

see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphite

Answer 4

It only conducts under certain conditions called 'coefficients'. For example if it has a negative coefficient of heat it will conduct better at a higher temperature 'range' and a specific range at that. In that case the molecule structure could be sufficiently excited to release an electron or become 'charge' sensitized so that when a potential difference is applied to it (Carbon?), electrons will flow (electricity).

Answer 5

It just does, same propertys that metal has which make it conduct electricity, i didnt know that graphite did conduct electricity but thats my hypothesis, Toxic

Answer 6

graphte conducts electricity because each carbon atom forms 3 covalents bond and thus each carbon aton has one free electron which conducts electricity. do not forget that delocalised or free electrons conducts electric current.

Answer 7

Pretty much anything conducts electricity if you force a high enough current through it.

Including humans.

Answer 8

I think it is because this form of carbon has a hexagonal structure rather than in diamond where it is a crystalline lattice.
this means there are free electrons and thus it conducts.
free electrons = conducts