What are allotropes? Sketch the structure of two allotropes of carbon namely diamond and graphite. What is the ampact of structure on physical properties of the two allotropes.
Answers
The various physical forms in which an element can exist are called the allotropes of that element.
Diamond: A diamond is a giant molecule.Diamond crystals join by stron covalent bond due to which it is very hard substance and doesn't conduct electricity.
Graphite:Structure of graphite is different from diamond.Graphite consists of layer of carbon sheets. The various sheets are far apart so they cant form covalent bonds due to which graphite is comparatively soft substance and good conductor of electricity.
The term allotrope refers to one or more physical forms of a chemical element that occurs in the same physical state.Diamond, graphite and fullerenes (substances that include nanotubes and 'buckyballs' , such as buckminsterfullerene) are three allotropes of pure carbon.