Graphite (Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award) : Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Updated on

Properties of Graphite

  • Graphite is made from carbon atoms and has a giant covalent structure 

  • Each carbon atoms forms three strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms forming layers

  • There are no covalent bonds between the layers

    • This means that the layers can slide over each other

    • Therefore, graphite is soft and slippery

Extension Tier Only

What are the properties of graphite?

  • Graphite is soft and slippery

    • Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atom forming layers 

    • The layers are free to slide over each other because there are only weak forces between the layers, not covalent bonds 

  • Graphite can conduct electricity and heat   

    • Due to each carbon atom only forming three bonds, one electron from each carbon atom is delocalised 

    • The delocalised electrons are free to move 

    • Graphite is similar to metals in that it has delocalised electrons  

  • Graphite has a high melting point because:

    • It has a giant covalent structure 

    • There are strong covalent bonds between atoms which need lots of energy to break 

Bonding and structure in graphite

Diagram showing 2 different representations of graphite's structure, both highlighting how each carbon atom is covelently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms
In graphite, each carbon is bonded to three other carbon atoms forming layers 

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember: Explaining the melting point for any giant covalent structure is always the same:

  • They have giant covalent structures

  • There are many strong covalent bonds

  • These need lots of energy to break

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Stewart Hird

Reviewer: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

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