Introdution to allotropy
The ability of an element to exist in more than one crystalline form is called allotropy. When this happens, the atoms are arranged different in one form of the element as compared to the other. The different forms of these crystalline forms are called allotropes.
Allotropy is found in elements such as carbon and sulphur. The known allotropes of carbon are diamond and graphite, the differences will be discussed in the upcoming sections.