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What is an allotrope?

Question:

What is an allotrope?

Elements:

Elements are pure substances, which means they have a specific quantity of protons in their atoms. The numbers of neutrons in an atom can change without changing the element, though. Atoms of different elements combine to form compounds.

Answer and Explanation: 1

Allotropes are different forms of the same element. The arrangement of the atoms is different in each allotrope. Carbon is a good example of an allotrope. Graphite is carbon that is grey in color with the carbon atoms loosely attracted to each other. Diamonds are also made of carbon atoms, but the carbon atoms are arranged in an organized pattern. This is known as a crystal structure.


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The 3 Allotropes of Carbon

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Chapter 5 / Lesson 21
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Learn about the allotropes of carbon forms and properties. Understand what allotropes of carbon are, how allotropes occur, and their specific characteristics.


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