Which of the following carbon allotropes is/are good conductor(s) of electricity ? 1. Diamond 2. Graphite 3. Fullerene Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Carbon allotropes exhibit diverse electrical properties based on their bonding structures. Graphite is a very good conductor of electricity because each carbon atom is sp2-hybridized, forming three covalent bonds and leaving one delocalized electron per atom that can move freely through the hexagonal layers [2]. In contrast, diamond is an electrical insulator because all four valence electrons are involved in strong sp3 covalent bonds, leaving no free electrons to carry a current [2]. While fullerenes like C60 have unique electronic properties and can act as electron acceptors, they are generally characterized as having low conductivity or being non-conductors in their pure molecular form [1]. Therefore, among the options provided, only graphite is a recognized good conductor of electricity.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > Allotropes of carbon > p. 61
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > Table 3.1 > p. 40