The number of free electrons in the outermost shell of carbon in graphite is :

Options

A. four
B. one
C. two
D. three

Answer

To determine the number of free electrons in the outermost shell of carbon in graphite, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Carbon
Carbon is an element with an atomic number of 6. This means it has 6 electrons. The electronic configuration of carbon is 1s² 2s² 2p². The outermost shell (the second shell) contains 4 electrons (2 in the 2s subshell and 2 in the 2p subshell).

**Hint:** Remember that the outermost shell is where the valence electrons are located.

### Step 2: Identify the Bonding in Graphite
Graphite is an allotrope of carbon, which means it is a different structural form of carbon. In graphite, each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms. This bonding occurs through covalent bonds, where each carbon shares three of its four valence electrons with neighboring carbon atoms.

**Hint:** Think about how many electrons are used in bonding versus how many remain free.

### Step 3: Calculate the Number of Free Electrons
Since each carbon atom in graphite is bonded to three other carbon atoms, it uses three of its four valence electrons for bonding. This leaves one electron that is not involved in bonding, which is considered a free electron.

**Hint:** Focus on the concept of tetravalency and how many electrons are involved in bonding.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, in graphite, each carbon atom has one free electron in its outermost shell. This free electron contributes to the electrical conductivity of graphite.

**Final Answer:** The number of free electrons in the outermost shell of carbon in graphite is **1**.