Graphite is a material which despite being in the solid phase, is able to reduce friction between two surfaces sliding against each other without the need for a liquid oil medium. It makes a good lubricant whereas diamond does not. Elaborate on why graphite is
a good lubricant
Graphite consists of layers of carbon that have
Graphite and diamond are allotropes (structures made of
weak attractions between them. With a little
same element) but graphite has carbon atoms spaced
A)
force, the layers can easily slide past one
farther apart and the bonds between carbon atoms are
another.
broken easier.
Graphite consists of carbon atoms bonded
Graphite sheets can slide past one another easily due to
B) weakly to one another in hexagonal planes. D) the hexagonal-formed planes that diamond does not
This weak attraction can be broken easily.
have.