Giant covalent structures
2 marks · EasyExplain why C60 fullerene does not conduct electricity as well as graphite, referring to their structures.
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Must show: Delocalised electrons move through layers in graphite, Electrons in C60 confined to molecules
Also accept: Graphite has delocalised electrons that can move between atoms; in C60, the electrons are trapped within molecules.
Common mistakes: Incorrectly stating C60 has delocalised electrons between molecules
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States that in graphite, delocalised electrons can move throughout the layers or structure.
M1 · 1 mark · Explains that in C60 fullerene, electrons are not free to move from one molecule to another.
Worked solution
Graphite has delocalised electrons that can move freely throughout its layers, allowing it to conduct electricity. In C60 fullerene, although each carbon has a spare electron, these electrons are restricted to individual molecules and cannot move between molecules, so C60 does not conduct electricity well.