ahem... why does graphite conduct electricity in only one direction while other metals can conduct electricity in all directions ??
i need the ans fast.....have to complete ma worksheet
In graphite, each carbon atom uses only 3 of its 4 outer energy level electrons in covalently bonding to three other carbon atoms in a plane. Each carbon atom contributes one electron to a delocalised system of electrons that is also a part of the chemical bonding. The decolcalised electrons are free to move throughout the plane.
For this reason, graphite conducts electricity along the planes of carbon atoms, but does not conduct in a direction at right angles to the plane.
Hope it's clear