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Question

Name the three allotropes of carbon.


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Solution

Step 1:

Allotropy is defined as the existence of a chemical element in one or two forms having the same chemical properties but different physical properties are known as allotropy. These forms are referred to as allotropes.

Carbon (C) is found in almost every compound. Carbon forms so many compounds due to its catenation property.

Step 2:

The three main allotropes of carbon are:

  1. Graphite
  2. Diamond
  3. Fullerene

Diamond is a covalent compound having a tetrahedral structure. It is hard in nature. Diamond is a non-conductor of electricity due to the unavailability of free electrons.

Graphite is the most stable allotrope of carbon having a hexagonal structure. It is soft in nature. Graphite conducts electricity due to the presence of free electrons. It is used in making glass electrodes.

Fullerene is the form of carbon having a large hollow cage spheroidal molecule consisting of sixty or more atoms. Example: Buckminster fullerene.


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