Why Can Graphite Rods Conduct Electricity?

We all know that graphite rods are conductors and have excellent electrical conductivity, much higher than most non-metallic materials. But why can graphite rods conduct electricity? Today, let’s discuss this topic.

Reasons Why Graphite Rods Conduct Electricity:

Each carbon atom in a graphite rod is connected to three other carbon atoms, forming multiple hexagonal honeycomb-like structures. Each carbon atom releases an electron, and these electrons can move freely. This gives graphite rods not only a high melting point and strong stability but also good electrical conductivity.

Applications of Conductive Graphite Rods:

Graphite rods are widely used in the electrical industry, especially as graphite electrodes. When smelting various ferroalloys and alloy steels, a strong electric current passes through the electrode into the melting zone of the electric furnace, creating an electric arc. This arc converts electrical energy into thermal energy, raising the temperature to around 2000 degrees Celsius, achieving the purpose of melting or reaction.