EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -(a) Copper metal is used for making electric wires. (b) Graphite is used for making the electrode in a dry cell .

Detailed explanation-2: -Graphite can conduct electricity due to the vast electron delocalization within the carbon layers (a phenomenon called aromaticity). These valence electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity, therefore, graphite is used to make electrodes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Graphite is used in making electrodes because it is good conductor of electricity due to the presence of free electrons. One valence electron of each carbon atom remains free and thus it is a good conductor of electricity.

Detailed explanation-4: -It is not the only material used as an anode but is the dominant one. You need a material that conducts but many metals are not suitable as they might themselves be oxidised or they might be too expensive. Graphite has a low reactivity, a high energy density and good electrical conductivity.

Detailed explanation-5: -Graphite is used in pencils, lubricants, crucibles, foundry facings, polishes, arc lamps, batteries, brushes for electric motors, and cores of nuclear reactors. It is mined extensively in China, India, Brazil, North Korea, and Canada.