Graphite is a good conductor of electricity due to the presence of :

Options

A. lone pair of electrons
B. free valence electrons
C. cations
D. anions

Answer

To solve the question regarding why graphite is a good conductor of electricity, we can break it down into several steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Graphite**:
- Graphite is made up of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure. Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms.

**Hint**: Recall the arrangement of carbon atoms in graphite and how they bond with each other.

2. **Valence Electrons of Carbon**:
- Carbon has four valence electrons. In the structure of graphite, each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with three neighboring carbon atoms.

**Hint**: Remember the number of valence electrons in carbon and how they participate in bonding.

3. **Identifying the Free Electron**:
- Since each carbon atom uses three of its four valence electrons to bond with other carbon atoms, one electron remains unbonded. This unbonded electron is free to move.

**Hint**: Think about what happens to the valence electrons when atoms bond and how this affects conductivity.

4. **Role of Free Electrons in Conductivity**:
- The presence of these free electrons allows graphite to conduct electricity. When an electric field is applied, these free electrons can move and carry charge.

**Hint**: Consider how free-moving charges contribute to the conduction of electricity.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the reason graphite is a good conductor of electricity is due to the presence of free valence electrons.

**Hint**: Summarize your findings to identify the correct answer from the options provided.

### Final Answer:
Graphite is a good conductor of electricity due to the presence of **free valence electrons**.