Answer the following questions.

Why is graphite used as a lubricant?

Graphite is used as a lubricant due to the following reasons:

i. A graphite crystal is hexagonal.

ii. The regular arrangement of atoms in graphite is in hexagonal layers.

iii. The layers are loosely bounded with each other.

iv. As there is weak force of attraction present between them, hence the layers slide with each other.

v. This makes the graphite slippery and thus it used as a lubricant.

Weak bond between layers