Question

Graphite cannot be classified as:
A. Conducting solid
B. Ionic solid
C. Covalent solid
D. Network solid

Answer 1

Graphite is generally found as a soft greyish black greasy substance. The term graphite is derived from the Greek word having the meaning write because when graphite is mixed with clay it forms lead which is used in pencils therefore graphite is also known by the name black lead.

Complete answer:
Like diamond and fullerene, graphite is also existing as an allotrope of carbon therefore graphite can also be known by the name crystallized carbon in which the carbon atoms of graphite form a crystal pattern which is different from the carbon atom present in diamond. In graphite the carbon atoms are arranged in flat planes of hexagonal rings which are attached to one another and each carbon atom is attached to three other carbon atoms in the same plane. Thus, we can say only three out of four valence electrons are used in carbon-carbon bonding and the fourth valence electron remains loosely or we can say move freely between the planes. This free electron is responsible for the electrical conductivity of graphite; therefore, it is said to be covalent network solid. Due to an allotropic nature, it contains covalent bonds so it is covalent solid too and has hexagonal structure in nature and is termed as network solid.

Hence, we can say that graphite cannot be classified as ionic solid, option B is the correct answer.

Note:
The main properties of graphite are it has a metallic lustre and it is opaque to light. Specific gravity shown by graphite is 2.3 which shows that it is a good conductor of heat and electricity and at a very high temperature it can be transformed into artificial diamond.