Graphite and fullerenes are forms of carbon. Graphite is soft and is a good conductor of electricity.

Explain why graphite has these properties.

Answer in terms of structure and bonding.

Explanation:

Cause of conductivity: The delocalised electrons are free to move through the structure, so graphite can conduct electricity.

Cause of being soft: The carbon atoms in graphite are linked in a hexagonal network which forms sheets that are one atom thick. These sheets are poorly connected and easily cleave or slide over one another if subjected to a small amount of force. This gives graphite its very low hardness, its perfect cleavage, and its slippery feel.

:)

atomic number of carbon is 6

electronic configuration of carbon is 1s²2s²2p²

orbital diagram of carbon is as shown here in the image.

a polar bond is formed when electrons are shared unevenly between atoms