In each of the questions given below, there are two statements labelle...
- Graphite possesses a layer structure with two successive layers held by weak forces and able to slide over one another.
- So, graphite is slippery and this property finds its use as a lubricant.
- In graphite, each carbon atom is linked to three carbon atoms while one electron in the carbon atom is delocalized. So, graphite has free electrons.
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In each of the questions given below, there are two statements labelle...
Assertion (A): Graphite is slippery and used as a lubricant.
Reason (R): Graphite has free electrons.
The correct answer for this question is option 'A' - Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Graphite is a form of carbon that consists of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure. It is known for its unique properties, including its lubricating nature. Let's analyze both the assertion and the reason individually to understand why option 'A' is the correct answer.
Assertion (A): Graphite is slippery and used as a lubricant.
Graphite is indeed slippery and is commonly used as a lubricant. This property of graphite arises due to the weak forces of attraction between the layers of carbon atoms in its structure. These weak forces allow the layers to easily slide over each other, resulting in the slippery nature of graphite. This property makes graphite an excellent lubricant in various applications, such as in machinery, locks, and pencils.
Reason (R): Graphite has free electrons.
Graphite does have free electrons, but this is not the correct explanation for its slippery nature. The presence of free electrons in graphite is a result of its unique structure. In the hexagonal lattice structure of graphite, each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with three neighboring carbon atoms, leaving one electron unutilized. These unutilized electrons are considered "delocalized" or "free" because they are not confined to a specific carbon atom but move freely throughout the layers of graphite. These free electrons give graphite its electrical conductivity.
While the presence of free electrons in graphite is connected to its unique electrical properties, it is not directly linked to its slippery nature. The slipperiness of graphite arises due to the weak interlayer forces, not the presence of free electrons.
Hence, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A). Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A'.