Why are Most Carbon Compounds Poor Conductors of Electricity

Carbon generally forms compounds by the formation of covalent bonds which do not accept electrons or release electrons as all the electrons are used in the bond. Carbon symbols are generally non-metal and are covalent molecular elements that have a low melting point. Carbon compounds have a different structure than ionic compounds; therefore, they are not dissociated into ions. Hence, carbon compounds have a low force of attraction to accept or release electrons for electricity transfer.                   

Is Carbon a Metal?

Carbon is a non-metal element that has both chemical and physical properties to form covalent bonds in the compound. It is also a solid non-metal element that has three allotropes including diamond, graphite and fullerene. Carbon symbols do not have the metal properties like electrical conductivity, ductility and malleability due to the formation of covalent bonds in the compounds. Carbon is a truly non-metal element as metal loses free electrons in the aqueous solution. It does not have the property of metal to attract oppositely charged ions in the solution to form a covalent bond. Carbon compounds have non-metal properties because they do not lose the valence electrons in the compound chemical reaction. 

Explanation of Carbon Element

Carbon belongs to 6 positions on the atomic periodic table in the chemical structure. It is a plentiful element that is essential to make different kinds of exclusive elements.  Well, protein, lipid, and carbohydrates have been included in the carbon materials that are the primary components of carbon. Besides, these carbon elements have been constructed by humans, animals, trees and soil. Due to changes in climate, different kinds of carbon-based new elements have been in nature. The mass of each carbon element is 12gm.  Basically, the carbon elements are black in colour and sometimes grey colour carbon elements have been found in nature.

Explanation of Carbon Symbol 

As carbon elements have been found in nature in the form of coal. Due to this fact, the name of the carbon element is started with C.  This carbon symbol has been included in 14 groups in the chemical periodic table. The atomic number of the C symbol in the periodic table is 6 which means the carbon element has 6 protons. Chemical scientists have given this symbol from the Latin words coal and carob.  The Carbon symbol has indicated one molecule of carbon that scientific name is mono carbon. In addition, if two carbons have been seen then it is called Di carbon (C2).

Carbon Compounds for Poor Conductor Electricity 

As carbon has been found in the covalent form in nature and its free electron has been used for their covalent bond. For this reason, the electricity does not flow due to the absence of free electrons. On the other hand, the carbon does not detach itself from chemical ions which is another cause for poor conduction to flow electrically easily. In fact, carbon is a nonmetallic compound that is not taken under as a conductor of flowing current. 

Nature of the Different Forms of Carbon 

In nature, carbon has been found in the form of graphite, diamonds, fullerenes and amorphous carbon.

Graphite

Graphite has been constructed with carbon molecules. It looks like a diagonal shape where a 12-dimensional layer has been seen in its structure. Six carbon atoms have been included in graphite. 

Diamond

Diamond is an exclusive mineral part of carbon that has high demand in the global market.  It is a harder material than other solid components.  This carbon component has been made for the deep deposits of carbon in the earth.  It is a stone that has been found in different colours on the earth.

Explanation of the Use of Carbon 

Carbon elements have vastly been used for different purposes in daily life. This carbon has been found in nature in the form of coal that is used in fuel. In order to produce thermal power, carbon is used in the power plant. Graphite is a component of carbon that has been used to make dry cells and electrodes in the global industry. Besides, diamonds are the northern part of the carbon component that has been used in drilling, cutting, polishing, and grinding other hard materials.

Conclusion

The above study indicates that the carbon elements are the poor conductors of electricity as all the electrons are used in the covalent bond formation. The carbon compounds have non-metal properties and due to this, it does not release valence electrons in the atomic reaction. The above study indicates that diamond and graphite are the most common allotropes of carbon used in daily life. Carbon is widely used in the formation of metal alloys such as carbon steel which is formed by the combination of iron and carbon.