Carbon is `"______"` in graphite

Options

A. divalent
B. trivalent
C. tetravalent
D. pentavalent

Answer

3

Explanation

In graphite,`C` atoms are arranged in six-membered rings.The `C` atoms are all `sp_(2)` hybridized . each atom is covalently bonded to three other atoms.The remaining unhybridized `2p` orbital is used in `pi` bonding in fact in each layer of graphite there is the kind of delocalized molecular orbital that is peresent in bezene.
Note that there is no free valency of `C` in grphite .If has only delocalized `pi` electrons like benzene (we may think grpahite to be polybezene).Because electrons are free to move around in the extenesively delocalized molecular orbital, graphite is a good condutor of electricity in directions along the planes of `C` atoms.