Which one of the following properties is NOT true for graphite ?
[amp_mcq option1=”Hybridisation of each carbon atom is sp³” option2=”Hybridisation of each carbon atom is sp²” option3=”Electrons are delocalized over the whole sheet of atoms” option4=”Each layer is composed of hexagon rings” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
Graphite has a layered structure. Each carbon atom within a layer is bonded to three other carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice. These three bonds are formed using sp² hybrid orbitals. The remaining unhybridized p-orbital on each carbon atom overlaps with adjacent p-orbitals, creating a delocalized pi electron system across the layer. sp³ hybridization occurs in diamond, where each carbon atom forms single bonds with four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure.