allotropes Definition
different forms of an element that exist in the same physical state.
Using allotropes: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "allotropes" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Carbon has several allotropes, including diamond and graphite.
Example
Oxygen has two allotropes, O2 and O3 (ozone).
Example
Phosphorus has several allotropes, including white phosphorus and red phosphorus.
Phrases with allotropes
allotropes of metals that have metallic properties
Example
Iron has two metallic allotropes, alpha-iron and gamma-iron.
non-metallic allotropes
allotropes of non-metals that do not have metallic properties
Example
Sulfur has several non-metallic allotropes, including rhombic sulfur and monoclinic sulfur.
allotropes that have a crystalline structure
Example
Carbon has two crystalline allotropes, diamond and graphite.
Origins of allotropes
from Greek 'allos', meaning 'other', and 'tropos', meaning 'manner'
Summary: allotropes in Brief
'Allotropes' [ˈæləʊtrəʊps] are different forms of an element that exist in the same physical state. Carbon, oxygen, and phosphorus are examples of elements that have multiple allotropes. The term is often used to describe the different forms of carbon, such as diamond and graphite. Allotropes can be classified as metallic or non-metallic, and crystalline or amorphous.
