allotropy Definition
the existence of an element in two or more physical forms, which have different chemical and physical properties but the same chemical identity.
Using allotropy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "allotropy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Carbon has several allotropes, including diamond and graphite.
Example
Oxygen has two allotropes: dioxygen and ozone.
Example
Phosphorus has several allotropes, including white phosphorus and red phosphorus.
Phrases with allotropy
the process by which an element changes from one allotrope to another
Example
The allotropic transformation of carbon from graphite to diamond requires high pressure and temperature.
two allotropes of the same element that are in equilibrium with each other
Example
The allotropic pair of oxygen includes dioxygen and ozone.
a sequence of allotropes of an element arranged in order of increasing atomic weight or complexity
Example
The allotropic series of carbon includes diamond, graphite, and fullerenes.
Origins of allotropy
from Greek 'allos', meaning 'other', and 'tropos', meaning 'manner'
Summary: allotropy in Brief
'Allotropy' [uh-lot-ruh-pee] refers to the existence of an element in two or more physical forms, which have different chemical and physical properties but the same chemical identity. Examples include carbon, oxygen, and phosphorus, which have several allotropes. Phrases like 'allotropic transformation,' 'allotropic pair,' and 'allotropic series' describe processes, pairs, and sequences of allotropes, respectively.
