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Why does graphite can conduct electricity and magnetite doesn't?
Question Date: 2009-05-21
Answer 1:

The carbon atoms in graphite are bonded together in such a way that some of the electrons are semi-free, kind like a metal. They can move in response to an electric field, creating electricity. Magnetite, by contrast, is a salt, albeit one that contains iron. The electrons are firmly attached to atoms, and those atoms are locked into place by the crystal structure of the mineral. Because they can't move, there will be no electricity.



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