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Question

Identify the odd term with respect to allotropes of carbon.

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2023 Previous Year Paper (13-Oct-2023) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

Tungsten

Understanding Allotropes of Carbon

The question asks us to identify the term that is different from the others in the context of allotropes of carbon. To answer this, let's first understand what an allotrope is.

What is an Allotrope?

Allotropy is the property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms, in the same physical state. These different forms are called allotropes. Allotropes show different physical properties and sometimes different chemical properties, even though they are made up of the same element.

Allotropes of Carbon

Carbon is an element that exhibits allotropy. It can exist in various forms due to the ability of carbon atoms to bond with each other in different ways. Some well-known allotropes of carbon include:

  • Diamond
  • Graphite
  • Fullerenes (like Buckminsterfullerene, C<sub>60</sub>)
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Graphene

Analyzing the Given Options

Let's look at the options provided and determine if they are allotropes of carbon or something else:

  • Buckminsterfullerene: This is a specific type of fullerene, which is a molecular allotrope of carbon. It consists of carbon atoms arranged in a spherical structure, often in the shape of a truncated icosahedron (like a soccer ball). So, this is an allotrope of carbon.
  • Graphite: This is one of the most common and stable allotropes of carbon. In graphite, carbon atoms are arranged in layers of hexagonal lattices. So, this is an allotrope of carbon.
  • Tungsten: Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a hard, brittle refractory metal under standard conditions when uncombined. It is not a form of carbon or an allotrope of carbon.
  • Diamond: This is another well-known allotrope of carbon. In diamond, carbon atoms are arranged in a tetrahedral structure, forming a rigid 3D lattice. Diamond is known for its extreme hardness. So, this is an allotrope of carbon.

Identifying the Odd Term

Based on the analysis:

  • Buckminsterfullerene is an allotrope of carbon.
  • Graphite is an allotrope of carbon.
  • Tungsten is NOT an allotrope of carbon; it is a different element (a metal).
  • Diamond is an allotrope of carbon.

Therefore, Tungsten is the term that is odd with respect to allotropes of carbon.

Analysis of Options
Term Is it an Allotrope of Carbon? Reason
Buckminsterfullerene Yes A type of fullerene (C<sub>60</sub>), a molecular allotrope of carbon.
Graphite Yes A crystalline allotrope of carbon with layered structure.
Tungsten No A different chemical element (metal), symbol W.
Diamond Yes A crystalline allotrope of carbon with tetrahedral structure.

Conclusion: Odd Term Analysis

The terms Buckminsterfullerene, Graphite, and Diamond are all different structural forms (allotropes) of the element carbon. Tungsten, on the other hand, is a completely different chemical element. Thus, Tungsten is the odd term out when considering allotropes of carbon.

Revision Table: Carbon Allotropes

Key Carbon Allotropes and Properties
Allotrope Structure Properties
Diamond Tetrahedral 3D lattice Extremely hard, electrical insulator, high thermal conductivity.
Graphite Layered hexagonal lattice Soft, good electrical conductor, good thermal conductor, used as lubricant.
Fullerenes (e.g., C<sub>60</sub>) Spherical molecules Semiconducting or conducting (when doped), reactive, exists as discrete molecules.
Graphene Single layer of hexagonal lattice Extremely strong, excellent electrical and thermal conductor, flexible.

Additional Information: Elements and Allotropy

Many elements exhibit allotropy, not just carbon. Examples include:

  • Phosphorus: Exists as white phosphorus, red phosphorus, and black phosphorus, each with distinct structures and properties.
  • Sulfur: Has multiple allotropes, with rhombic sulfur (S<sub>8</sub> ring) being the most common stable form at room temperature.
  • Oxygen: Exists as diatomic oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) and ozone (O<sub>3</sub>), which are allotropes with different reactivity.

Understanding allotropy helps in explaining the diverse properties of elements and their different forms.

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