Allotropes of carbon: There are three forms of carbon. i.e., diamond, graphite and fullerene which exist in crystalline form. Graphite and diamond occur in nature. The structure of diamond is tetrahedral with `sp^(3)` hybridization and diamond exist in 3-D network solid. in graphite, carbon is `sp^(2)` hybridized. Each carbon linked to other carbon atom forms hexagonal ring. it has a layered structure. Diamond and graphite are purest form of carbon. Fullerene constitute a new family of carbon allotropes.
Consisting of large spheroidal molecule of compound with general formula `C_(2n)`. common fullerene `C_(6),C_(70)`, contain 5 and 6 membered rings.
Q. Which of the following statement is incorrect for graphite?

Options

A. Its density is lower than that of diamond
B. It has a layered structrue and the bonding
C. its layers are very tightly packed, almost without any space between them
D. it cleaves easily between the layers which accounts for the remarkable softness of the crystals

Answer

To determine which statement about graphite is incorrect, we will analyze each statement provided about graphite based on its properties and structure.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Graphite**:
- Graphite consists of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure. Each carbon atom is `sp²` hybridized, forming three sigma bonds with neighboring carbon atoms and leaving one unhybridized p-orbital for delocalized π-bonding.
- The layers in graphite are held together by weak van der Waals forces, allowing them to slide over each other easily.

2. **Analyzing the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "Its density is lower than that of diamond."
- **Analysis**: This statement is correct. Diamond has a higher density due to its three-dimensional tetrahedral structure and strong covalent bonds throughout the crystal lattice, while graphite has a layered structure with more space between the layers, resulting in lower density.

- **Statement 2**: "It has a layered structure."
- **Analysis**: This statement is also correct. Graphite is known for its layered structure, where layers of carbon atoms can slide over one another.

- **Statement 3**: "Its layers are very tightly packed almost without any space between them."
- **Analysis**: This statement is incorrect. The layers in graphite are not tightly packed; rather, there is significant space between the layers due to the weak van der Waals forces that hold them together. This property contributes to the slippery nature of graphite.

- **Statement 4**: "It cleaves easily between the layers which accounts for the remarkable softness of the crystals."
- **Analysis**: This statement is correct. The weak interlayer forces allow the layers to slide past each other easily, making graphite soft and lubricious.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The incorrect statement about graphite is **Statement 3**: "Its layers are very tightly packed almost without any space between them."

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement for graphite is: **"Its layers are very tightly packed almost without any space between them."**

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