2021 · Q8
Which of the following carbon allotropes is/are good conductor(s) of electricity?
- 1Diamond
- 2Graphite
- 3Fullerene
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
General KnowledgeChemistry
- A1 only
- B1 and 2 only
- C2 only
- D1 and 3 only
Explanation
Graphite conducts electricity because each carbon atom contributes a delocalised pi electron that moves freely between its hexagonal layers. Diamond is an insulator, since all four valence electrons of each carbon are locked in tetrahedral covalent bonds with no free charge carriers. Fullerene (C60) is a poor conductor under ordinary conditions. Hence graphite alone, of the three, is a good conductor of electricity.