Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2323 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Allotropes: Structure Sets Property
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The idea
Allotropes are different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state, their differing bonding arrangements alone accounting for differing properties.
In practice
Diamond's 3D network of single bonds is extremely hard, while graphite's weakly stacked layers are soft and slippery.
Where people slip
Treating diamond and graphite as two different compounds, rather than one element in different structural forms, misreads what allotropy means.
Your place on the trail
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