Question

what is the difference between isomorphism and polymorphism pls explain with some examples too..

Answer 1

Isomorphism is the similarity in the crystal structure of different compounds. These compounds are called isomorphous substances. In the simplest definition, isomorphous substances are nearly same in their shape.
Some of the examples for substances that show isomorphism are shown below.

CaCO3 and NaNO3

Both these substances exist in trigonal shape. The atomic ratio of these isomorphous substances is the same (1: 1: 3).

But the physical and chemical properties are different. For example, the molar mass of CaCO3 is 100 g/mol whereas the molar mass of NaNO3 is about 85 g/mol.


Polymorphism is the presence of different crystalline forms of the same compound. In other words, if a particular compound can be found in different shapes, this phenomenon is called polymorphism. The compound showing polymorphism is called a polymorphic substance.
For example, the CaCO3 compound may exist either in orthorhombic form or in hexagonal form.

Answer 2

Explanation:

The main difference between isomorphism and polymorphism is that isomorphism describes the existence of a same morphology in different substances whereas polymorphism describes the existence of different morphologies of the same substance