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…
Tag: Allotropy
Diamond
Diamond The structure of diamond is shown above. Each black dark circle represents a carbon atom and each line representing a single bond. In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement as shown above. As a consequence, this arrangement forms a large complex rigid structure resulting in…
Graphite
Graphite In graphite, each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms and the atoms are arranged in hexagonal rings. These rings are joined to each other to form layers of atoms which are held together by weak forces. This results in a giant structure with the following properties: -Graphite has a relatively high…