Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Chemistry Graphite Q

Does molten graphite conduct electricity? I thought it wouldn't because the structure of graphite would be disrupted..

Thanks

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 1

Pigster

If you were able to melt it, what particles would be floating around?

Reply 2

revisionlad

Original post by Pigster

If you were able to melt it, what particles would be floating around?

Mmmmm delocalised electrons? Therefore they will still be free to move and carry charge????

Reply 3

Pigster

Original post by revisionlad

Mmmmm delocalised electrons? Therefore they will still be free to move and carry charge????

If you had delocalised electrons in a liquid, would that require you to have carbon (+) ions also floating around.

Have you ever come across C+ ions?

Reply 4

revisionlad

Original post by Pigster

If you had delocalised electrons in a liquid, would that require you to have carbon (+) ions also floating around.

Have you ever come across C+ ions?

Mmm I haven't....But I thought it couldn't conduct in molten form as the hexagonal ring structure was disrupted

Reply 5

Pigster

Original post by revisionlad

Mmm I haven't....But I thought it couldn't conduct in molten form as the hexagonal ring structure was disrupted

It indeed can't conduct when molten as it has free moving atoms of carbon. Atoms, as you know, are neutral and hence find it difficult to conduct electricity.

Reply 6

revisionlad

Original post by Pigster

It indeed can't conduct when molten as it has free moving atoms of carbon. Atoms, as you know, are neutral and hence find it difficult to conduct electricity.