Giant covalent structures
2 marks · NormalDescribe the structure and bonding in graphite.
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Also accept: Graphite has a giant covalent structure formed from layers of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, creating hexagonal rings. The layers are held together by weak forces, and delocalised electrons are free to move within layers.
Common mistakes: saying graphite is made of molecules; not mentioning the bonding or electron arrangement
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States graphite is a giant covalent structure made of layers of carbon atoms bonded to three others.
B2 · 1 mark · Mentions each carbon has 3 covalent bonds and/or delocalised electrons are free to move within layers.
Worked solution
Graphite is a giant covalent structure made up of layers of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom forms three strong covalent bonds to other carbon atoms, giving layers of hexagons. The layers are held together by weak forces and contain delocalised electrons that can move within the layers.