Hint: An allotrope is a different form of the same element that exhibits distinct physical properties while maintaining the same chemical properties.
For instance, graphite and diamond are two allotropes of carbon. They differ in their physical properties but share similar chemical properties due to their carbon composition.
Complete step-by-step answer:
|
DIAMOND |
GRAPHITE |
| 1) It has a crystalline structure. | 1) It has a layered structure. |
| 2) It is made up of tetrahedral units. | 2) It has a planar geometry. |
| 3)In diamond, each carbon atom undergoes \( \text{sp}^3 \) hybridization and forms sigma bonds with four other carbon atoms. | 3) In graphite, each carbon atom is \( \text{sp}^2 \) hybridized and is bonded to three other carbon atoms through a sigma bond while the fourth electron forms a II-bond. |
| 4) The bond length between carbon atoms in diamond is 154 pm. | 4) The carbon-carbon bond length in graphite is 141.5 pm. |
| 5) It features a strong covalent bond network that is hard to disrupt. | 5) It is relatively soft, and its layers can be easily peeled apart. |
| 6) It acts as an electric insulator. | 6) It is a good conductor of electricity. |
Note: It is important to note that graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon, not isotopes of each other. Allotropes are different forms of the same element that have distinct physical properties, whereas isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but different atomic masses.
