Why Can Graphite Conduct Electricity But Not Diamond? - MyTutor

Find a tutorHow it worksPricesResourcesFor schoolsBecome a tutor

+44 (0) 203 773 6024

Log inSign upAnswers>Chemistry>GCSE>ArticleWhy can graphite conduct electricity but not diamond?

In graphite, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms. One of the four outer shell electrons of each carbon atom is therefore not engaged in bonding, and becomes delocalised. These delocalised electrons are free to move around the structure, carrying charge and allowing graphite to conduct electricity. However, in diamond, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms. All four of the outer shell electrons in each carbon atom are engaged in bonding, leaving no delocalised electrons free to move around the structure and carry charge.

TAAnswered by Tierney A. • Chemistry tutor

87887 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Need help with Chemistry?

One-to-one online tuition can be a great way to brush up on your Chemistry knowledge.

Have a Free Meeting with one of our hand picked tutors from the UK's top universities

Find a tutor

Download MyTutor's free revision handbook?

This handbook will help you plan your study time, beat procrastination, memorise the info and get your notes in order.

8 study hacks, 3 revision templates, 6 revision techniques, 10 exam and self-care tips.

Download handbook

Free weekly group tutorials

Join MyTutor Squads for free (and fun) help with Maths, Coding & Study Skills.

Sign up

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is Le Chatelier's Principle?

Answered by Rebecca C.

25 cm3 of NaOH was titrated with 0.050 mol dm-3 HCl. NaOH + HCl --> NaCl + H2O. 21.5 cm3 HCl neutralised 25 cm3 NaOH. Concentration of NaOH in mol dm-3?

Answered by Arran S.

What transformations occur when turning limestone to quicklime then to slaked lime?

Answered by Sabina F.

Explain how carbon monoxide is produced when petrol is burned in car engines. (2 marks)

Answered by Luc B.

We're here to help

Contact us+44 (0) 203 773 6020

Company Information

CareersBlogSubject answersBecome a tutorSchoolsSafeguarding policyFAQsUsing the Online Lesson SpaceTestimonials & pressSitemapTerms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyGender Pay Gap Reporting

Popular Requests

Maths tutorChemistry tutorPhysics tutorBiology tutorEnglish tutorGCSE tutorsA level tutorsIB tutorsPhysics & Maths tutorsChemistry & Maths tutorsGCSE Maths tutors

CLICK CEOP

Internet Safety

Payment Security

Cyber

Essentials

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

IXL

Comprehensive K-12 personalized learning

Rosetta Stone

Immersive learning for 25 languages

Wyzant

Trusted tutors for 300 subjects

Education.com

35,000 worksheets, games, and lesson plans

Vocabulary.com

Adaptive learning for English vocabulary

Emmersion

Fast and accurate language certification

Thesaurus.com

Essential reference for synonyms and antonyms

Dictionary.com

Comprehensive resource for word definitions and usage

SpanishDictionary.com

Spanish-English dictionary, translator, and learning resources

FrenchDictionary.com

French-English dictionary, translator, and learning

Ingles.com

Diccionario ingles-espanol, traductor y sitio de apremdizaje

ABCya

Fun educational games for kids

© 2026 by IXL Learning