CBSE Class 10 Answered

Graphite has layered structure. Layers are held by van der Waals forces and distance between two layers is 340 pm. Each layer is composed of planar hexagonal rings of carbon atoms. C—C bond length within the layer is 141.5 pm. Each carbon atom in hexagonal ring undergoes sp² hybridisation and makes three sigma bonds with three neighbouring carbon atoms. Fourth electron forms a  pi (π) bond. These electrons are delocalised over the whole sheet. Electrons are mobile and therefore, graphite conducts electricity along the sheet.