Question

The same element existing in different physical forms is called ______________ (allotropy/monotropy).

Answer 1

• Allotropy is the property of an element to exist in different physical structures.
• For example, diamond, graphite, and fullerene are forms of elemental carbon only but all three of them have different structures.

In diamond, one carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a rigid three-dimensional structure.

In graphite, one carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms and is slippery, and soft in touch.

In fullerene, sixty carbon atoms are arranged in the form of a football.

Hence, the same element existing in different physical forms is called allotropy.