Why does elemental silicon not form graphite like structure as carbon does. Explain.

Explanation

To understand why elemental silicon does not form a graphite-like structure as carbon does, we can break down the explanation into several key points:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Comparison of Atomic Size:**
- Carbon (C) has a smaller atomic size compared to silicon (Si). The smaller size of carbon allows for effective overlap of p-orbitals, which is essential for forming the planar structure of graphite.

**Hint:** Consider how atomic size influences orbital overlap and bonding capabilities.
...