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DIAMONDS DO NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BUT GRAPHITE CONDUCT ELECTRICITY WHY?

Graphite can conduct electricity due to the vast electron de localization within the carbon layers. These valence electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity. However, the electricity is only conducted within the plane of the layers.

Diamond is a carbon tetrahedral shape and so carbons are linked with each other and are not free to move in plates like graphites can. That is also why graphite is a lubricant and diamond is a cutting abrasive.


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