In graphite adjacent layers of carbon atoms are held together by

Options

A. covalent bonds
B. coordinate bonds
C. vander walls forces
D. ionic bonds.

Answer

To answer the question "In graphite, adjacent layers of carbon atoms are held together by:", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Graphite Structure**:
- Graphite is an allotrope of carbon, which means it is one of the different forms that carbon can take.
- In graphite, carbon atoms are arranged in layers that form a hexagonal lattice structure.

2. **Identifying the Bonds Within Layers**:
- Within each layer, carbon atoms are bonded to each other through strong covalent bonds. Each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds with three other carbon atoms, creating a stable and strong structure.

3. **Identifying the Bonds Between Layers**:
- The layers of carbon atoms in graphite are not bonded by covalent bonds. Instead, they are held together by much weaker interactions.
- These interactions are known as Van der Waals forces, which are weak intermolecular forces that occur between molecules or layers.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that adjacent layers of carbon atoms in graphite are held together by Van der Waals forces.

### Final Answer:
Adjacent layers of carbon atoms in graphite are held together by **Van der Waals forces**.

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