Graphite Structure — Layered Giant Covalent

Part of Giant Covalent Structures · Section 2 of 12

DiagramUnit: Bonding & StructureGCSE
Graphite crystal structure showing stacked hexagonal layers of carbon atoms. Strong covalent bonds within each layer, weak van der Waals forces between layers allow layers to slide.

Figure 2: Graphite — hexagonal carbon layers stacked with weak forces between them. Layers can slide over each other, making graphite soft and a good lubricant.

This diagram covers Graphite Structure — Layered Giant Covalent within Giant Covalent Structures for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Giant Covalent Structures in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 21 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 12 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Practice questions for Giant Covalent Structures

Why do giant covalent structures have very high melting points?

  • A. They contain ionic bonds that are difficult to break
  • B. They contain weak forces between separate molecules
  • C. They contain delocalised electrons that require a lot of energy to remove
  • D. They contain many strong covalent bonds that require a lot of energy to break
1 markfoundation

Explain why graphite conducts electricity but diamond does not.

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

What are fullerenes?
Hollow carbon cages (like C₆₀) — used to deliver drugs in medicine
What is graphene?
A single layer of graphite — extremely strong, conducts electricity

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