Give two uses of each of the following:
- Diamond
- Graphite
- Lampblack
- Coal
- Wood charcoal
Give two uses of each of the following:
- Diamond
- Graphite
- Lampblack
- Coal
- Wood charcoal
Diamond, graphite, lampblack, coal and wood charcoal are allotropes of Carbon.
The property of an element due to which it exists in different physical forms which have identical chemical properties but different physical properties are called allotropy. The different physical forms of that element are called allotropes.
Example: Carbon is an element that shows the property of allotropy because it exists in different physical forms that have identical chemical properties but different physical properties and Diamond, graphite, lampblack etc. are its allotropes.
Allotropes of carbon can be further classified on the basis of their structure.
- Non-crystalline or amorphous allotropic forms: The allotropes in which the constituent particles are not arranged in a particular pattern. Example: lampblack, coal and wood charcoal etc.
- Crystalline allotropic forms: The allotropes in which the constituent particles are arranged in a particular pattern. Example: Diamond and graphite
Uses of diamond:
- Because of its hardness, diamond is used to make cutting tools and make borers for rock drilling machines.
- A cut and polished diamond can refract light due to which it sparkles. Hence diamond is used to make jewellery.
Uses of Graphite:
- It is used as a solid lubricating agent for heavy machinery as graphite is slippery in nature and this reduces the wear and tear of machinery due to friction.
- It is used to make the core of the lead pencils. Graphite leaves a black mark on the paper. Therefore, it is mixed with wax to make a lead for the pencils. Due to this, it is also called as a black lead.
Uses of lampblack:
- Lampblack has 98-99 % of Carbon content. As it is a black solid which is light and has a velvety texture, it is used as a kajal.
- As it is a bad conductor of heat and electricity, it is used as a filler in the manufacturing of rubber tyres.
Uses of coal:
- Coal is extensively used as a fuel in industries for the production of electricity.
- Many important organic compounds like benzene, toluene, aniline etc. are synthesised by using coal as a source of Carbon.
Uses of wood charcoal:
- Because of its low ignition temperature, wood charcoal is used as a fuel. Ignition temperature: The lowest temperature up to which a fuel must be heated so as to catch fire. Lower the ignition temperature, better the fuel.
- It is used as a decolorising agent. Example: Sugar, oil and petroleum products often have a characteristic color because of the presence of some impurities. As wood charcoal has the property of adsorption, it acts as a decolorising agent. Adsorption: Adsorption is a process in which particles of a substance stick to the surface of a solid or a liquid.
Diamond, graphite, lampblack, coal and wood charcoal are allotropes of Carbon.
The property of an element due to which it exists in different physical forms which have identical chemical properties but different physical properties are called allotropy. The different physical forms of that element are called allotropes.
Example: Carbon is an element that shows the property of allotropy because it exists in different physical forms that have identical chemical properties but different physical properties and Diamond, graphite, lampblack etc. are its allotropes.
Allotropes of carbon can be further classified on the basis of their structure.
- Non-crystalline or amorphous allotropic forms: The allotropes in which the constituent particles are not arranged in a particular pattern. Example: lampblack, coal and wood charcoal etc.
- Crystalline allotropic forms: The allotropes in which the constituent particles are arranged in a particular pattern. Example: Diamond and graphite
Uses of diamond:
- Because of its hardness, diamond is used to make cutting tools and make borers for rock drilling machines.
- A cut and polished diamond can refract light due to which it sparkles. Hence diamond is used to make jewellery.
Uses of Graphite:
- It is used as a solid lubricating agent for heavy machinery as graphite is slippery in nature and this reduces the wear and tear of machinery due to friction.
- It is used to make the core of the lead pencils. Graphite leaves a black mark on the paper. Therefore, it is mixed with wax to make a lead for the pencils. Due to this, it is also called as a black lead.
Uses of lampblack:
- Lampblack has 98-99 % of Carbon content. As it is a black solid which is light and has a velvety texture, it is used as a kajal.
- As it is a bad conductor of heat and electricity, it is used as a filler in the manufacturing of rubber tyres.
Uses of coal:
- Coal is extensively used as a fuel in industries for the production of electricity.
- Many important organic compounds like benzene, toluene, aniline etc. are synthesised by using coal as a source of Carbon.
Uses of wood charcoal:
- Because of its low ignition temperature, wood charcoal is used as a fuel. Ignition temperature: The lowest temperature up to which a fuel must be heated so as to catch fire. Lower the ignition temperature, better the fuel.
- It is used as a decolorising agent. Example: Sugar, oil and petroleum products often have a characteristic color because of the presence of some impurities. As wood charcoal has the property of adsorption, it acts as a decolorising agent. Adsorption: Adsorption is a process in which particles of a substance stick to the surface of a solid or a liquid.
