There is a common belief that graphite's lubricating properties are solely due to the loose interlamellar coupling between sheets in the structure. However, it has been shown that in a vacuum environment (such as in technologies for use in space), graphite is a very poor lubricant. This observation led to the discovery that the lubrication is due to the presence of fluids between the layers, such as air and water, which are naturally adsorbed from the environment.
Graphite is an interesting material at the molecular level, because it consists of parallel sheets of carbon atoms, with the carbon atoms in each sheet bonded to each other in aromatic rings (think of a stack of pieces of chicken wire). Each sheet is fairly strong in itself, but the sheets are not covalently bonded to each other and are kept separated by the pi electron clouds, so they "slide" over each other fairly easily; this ability of the sheets to "slide" is what makes graphite a lubricant.
Yes, dry graphite is used for lubrication in many applications.
Graphite only forms 3 covalent bonds and is arranged in layers so the layers can slide over each other easily.
The answer is:
Carbon atoms form strong bonds within each graphite layer but weak bonds between layers.
Hope that answered your question.=)
Graphite is formed from lamellar layers of carbon atoms; the bonds between these layers are of low strength - van der Waals bonds - and the layers easily slide.
cus swag of course
Graphite has a planar structure.
carbon and graphite are one in the same, graphite is a form of carbon a use for graphite is the lead in your pencil (it's not actually lead, it's graphite) and it is also a good lubricant ;)
The lubricating property of graphite is a physical property. The graphite does not undergo a chemical change when used as a lubricant.
If put under enough pressure it will turn into diamond. Pencil-lead is graphite these days, and some companies grind it into a powder for use as a lubricant.
Graphite is not rare as we know it. Graphite is an allotrope of the element carbon, and carbon is relatively abundant in the earth's crust. You can read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphite
Because graphite forms layers and each layer, each carbon molecule is bonded to three other carbon molecules. The fourth electron to each atom is weakly bonded to the layer next to it. The structure allows the layers to slide past each other, making this element an excellent lubricant.
graphite
Graphite (I think)
Very fine graphite powder is used as a lubricant in many applications including locks.
Graphite has a planar structure.
graphite is used as lubricant in machinery.also it is used in making leads of pencils.hence graphite is useful.
Graphite has a planar structure.
Graphite is used as a lubricant and, mixed with clay, in pencil lead.
graphite as a dry lubricant is sold in powdered form in most hardware stores.
An advantage for graphite is that it can be used as a dry lubricant on electrical appliances.
carbon and graphite are one in the same, graphite is a form of carbon a use for graphite is the lead in your pencil (it's not actually lead, it's graphite) and it is also a good lubricant ;)
The crystalline structure of graphite and diamond are the cause of these properties.
The lubricating property of graphite is a physical property. The graphite does not undergo a chemical change when used as a lubricant.