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Nanotube electrical conductivity
Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical fullerenes.
Explain why carbon nanotubes can conduct electricity. Refer to bonding between carbon atoms in your answer.
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Marking points
- 1 States that each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds.
- 2 Identifies one delocalised electron per carbon atom.
- 3 Explains that the delocalised electrons carry charge through the nanotube.
Full-mark answer
Each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds, leaving one electron per carbon atom delocalised. These delocalised electrons move through the nanotube and carry electrical charge.
Why this answer loses marks
Covalent bonds conduct electricity.
Bonding alone does not explain conduction; identify the electron left delocalised and how its movement carries charge through the nanotube.