Question

Carbon shows allotropy. ___ and ___ are the two most important crystalline allotropic forms.

• A. Diamond
• B. Graphite

Answer 1

• Allotropy refers to the ability of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms in the same physical state.
• The two crystalline allotropic forms of Carbon are diamond and graphite.
• Diamond is a transparent, extremely hard crystal with Carbon atoms arranged in a tetrahedral lattice. This Carbon allotrope has a low electrical conductivity but a high thermal conductivity.
• Graphite is a soft, black, flaky solid that is a moderate conductor of electricity. The Carbon atoms are bonded together in flat hexagonal lattices (graphene), which are then layered into sheets.
• Thus, Carbon shows allotropy. Diamond and Graphite are the two most important crystalline allotropic forms.