Question

What are the three common forms of Carbon?

Answer 1

Carbon:

1. Carbon is a non-metal represented by symbol C.
2. It is a tetravalent element as it can share its four valence electrons to form four bonds with another element.

Forms:

1. Graphite: There is a layer of the Carbon atom that shares a covalent bond with three other Carbon atoms forming a hexagonal structure. It is black, shiny, opaque, and slippery material.
2. Diamond: The Carbon atoms are arranged in a three-dimensional structure through a covalent bond with the other four Carbon atoms. It is a colorless, transparent, and lustrous form of Carbon with a high melting point.
3. Fullerene: All the Carbon atoms are arranged in the hexagonal shape of a sphere. Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical fullerene.