Allotropes

what are allotropes : these are substances which differ in look physically although it is made from the same element and found in the same physical state

 

For example Graphite Diamond and Fullerenes are all made of carbon element only and are all found in the Solid Physical State , but still they are totally different when we check their physical and chemical properties .

 

USES OF GIANT COVALENT STRUCTURES

 

• Diamond and graphite are allotropes of carbon

• Still these substances are not made from one atom but a lot of carbon atoms , the difference in the way these atoms are bonding together

• All the substances have covalent bonds between the carbon atoms forming a very large (giant ) covalent lattice structure

• Giant covalent structures have high melting and boiling points as they have many strong covalent bonds that need to be broken down. 

• Large amounts of heat energy are needed to overcome these forces and break down bonds.

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