Question

The allotrope of carbon that is a good conductor of heat and electricity is:

• A. Diamond
• B. Graphite
• C. Charcoal
• D. Coal

Hint:

Remember: Diamond is the hardest allotrope of carbon, whereas graphite is the best conductor of electricity among common carbon allotropes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Read the question.
We must find which form of carbon conducts both heat and electricity well.

Step 2: Look at graphite's structure.
In graphite each carbon atom bonds to only three other carbons. These atoms form flat hexagon-shaped layers.

Step 3: Find the free electron.
Carbon has four outer electrons but graphite uses only three for bonding. The fourth electron is left free to move.

Step 4: Connect free electrons to conduction.
Moving electrons carry electric current. These free electrons drift through the layers, so graphite conducts electricity and also carries heat well.

Step 5: Compare with diamond.
In diamond all four electrons are tied up in bonds. No electron is free, so diamond cannot conduct.

Step 6: Pick the answer.
The conducting form of carbon is graphite. \[ \boxed{\text{Graphite}} \]