Chapter 2: Problem 26

What are allotropes? Give an example. How are allotropes different from isotopes?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Allotropes are different physical forms in which an element can exist, like diamond and graphite for carbon. Isotopes are varieties of a chemical element which differ in neutron number but have the same number of protons, for example, carbon-12 and carbon-14. While allotropes differ in their physical and chemical properties due to different atomic arrangements, isotopes of a single element have similar physical properties but may have varying chemical properties due to the difference in atomic mass.

Step by step solution

Definition and example of allotropes

Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist in the same physical state. For example, diamond and graphite are both allotropes of carbon. They are both solid forms of carbon, but their atoms are arranged in different patterns.

Definition and example of isotopes

Isotopes are varieties of a chemical element with the same number of protons and electrons but different number of neutrons. For example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon. They both have 6 protons and 6 electrons, but carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons.

Differences between allotropes and isotopes

Despite their similarities, allotropes and isotopes have a few key differences. Allotropes are different forms of the same element under the same physical state, so their physical and chemical properties may differ. On the other hand, isotopes of a single element will have the same number of protons and electrons but different number of neutrons; thus, their physical properties will be similar, but their chemical properties may vary due to the difference in the atomic mass.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What are allotropes? Give an example. How are allotropes different from isotopes?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition and example of allotropes

Definition and example of isotopes

Differences between allotropes and isotopes

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

Chemical Analysis

Making Measurements

Chemistry Branches

Inorganic Chemistry

Kinetics

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.