Graphite

Graphite is a crystalline form of the element carbon. It is a non-metal and is a good conductor of electricity. Graphite is composed of carbon atoms arranged in layers. These layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces, allowing the layers to easily slide over each other. This property gives graphite its characteristic slippery feel and makes it useful as a lubricant.

Structure

The structure of graphite consists of hexagonal arrays of carbon atoms arranged in flat parallel layers. Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms within the same layer, forming a network of hexagonal rings. The layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces, allowing them to easily slide over each other.

Properties

Graphite has several unique properties:

Conductivity: Graphite is a good conductor of electricity due to the delocalized electrons within its structure.
Lubrication: The slippery feel of graphite is attributed to the ease with which its layers can slide over each other, making it an effective lubricant.
High melting point: Graphite has a high melting point, making it useful in high-temperature applications.
Chemical stability: Graphite is relatively inert and does not react with most chemicals.

Uses

Graphite has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties:

Lubricants: Graphite is used as a dry lubricant in various applications, such as in locks and mechanical systems.
Electrodes: It is used as electrodes in electrolysis processes and in the production of batteries and fuel cells.
Refractories: Graphite's high melting point makes it suitable for use in refractory materials for high-temperature applications.
Pencils: The "lead" in pencils is actually a mixture of graphite and clay, allowing for smooth writing and drawing.

Study Guide

When studying graphite, it is important to focus on the following key areas:

The structure of graphite, including the arrangement of carbon atoms and the bonding within its layers.
The unique properties of graphite, such as its conductivity, lubrication, and chemical stability.
The various applications of graphite in industry and everyday life.
Comparing and contrasting graphite with other forms of carbon, such as diamond and fullerenes.
The environmental and health considerations associated with the use of graphite, including any potential hazards.

Understanding these aspects of graphite will provide a comprehensive knowledge of this important form of carbon and its significance in various fields.

◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. The Science of Chemistry

Worksheet/Answer key

The Science of Chemistry

Worksheet/Answer key

The Science of Chemistry

Worksheet/Answer key

The Science of Chemistry

The resources above cover the following skills:

Nature of Science

The Practice of Science - A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity; The processes of science include the formulation of scientifically investigable questions, construction of investigations into those questions, the collection of appropriate data, the evaluation of the meaning of those data, and the communication of this evaluation. B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of ''the scientific method.'' C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific knowledge. D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes, but also in its questions and explanations.

Define a problem based on a specific body of knowledge, for example: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science, and do the following:

Use tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data (this includes the use of measurement in metric and other systems, and also the generation and interpretation of graphical representations of data, including data tables and graphs)