Graphite is a much better conductor of heat and electricity than diamo...
Undergoes sp2 hybridization and forms three sigma bonds with three neighbouring carbon atoms.
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Graphite is a much better conductor of heat and electricity than diamo...
Explanation:
Each carbon atom in graphite undergoes sp2 hybridization and forms three sigma bonds with three neighboring carbon atoms, creating a hexagonal lattice structure. This allows for the formation of delocalized π bonds above and below the plane of the carbon atoms, which are responsible for the high electrical conductivity of graphite.
Reasoning:
- In sp2 hybridization, each carbon atom uses one s orbital and two p orbitals to form three equivalent sp2 hybrid orbitals.
- These sp2 hybrid orbitals then overlap with the sp2 hybrid orbitals of neighboring carbon atoms to form strong sigma bonds.
- The remaining p orbital on each carbon atom overlaps sideways to form delocalized π bonds, which allow for the movement of electrons along the planes of graphite.
Comparison with Diamond:
- In contrast, each carbon atom in diamond undergoes sp3 hybridization, forming four sigma bonds with neighboring carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement.
- The lack of delocalized π bonds in diamond restricts the movement of electrons, resulting in poor electrical conductivity compared to graphite.
Therefore, the sp2 hybridization and delocalized π bonds in graphite are the key factors that contribute to its superior conductivity compared to diamond.