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Describe the structuure of graphite. |
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Answer» Solution :(i) Graphite is the most stable allotropic form of carbon at normal temperature and PRESSURE. (ii) It is soft and conducts electricity. It is composed of flat two dimensional sheets of carbon atoms. (iii) Each sheet is a hexagonal net of `sp^(2)` hybridised carbon atoms with a C-C bond lengthh of `1.41Å` which is CLOSE to the C-C bond distance in benzene `(1.40Å)`. (iv) Each carbon atom forms three `sigma` BONDS with three neighhbouring carbon atoms USING three of its valence electrons and the fourth electron present in the unhybridised p orbittal forms a `pi`-bond. (v) These `pi` electrons are delocalised over the entire sheet which is responsible for its ELECTRICAL conductivity. (vi) The successive carbon sheets are held togethher by weak vander Waals forces. The distance between successive sheet is `3.40Å`. (vii) It is used as a lubricant either on its own or as a graphited oil. |
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