Final answer:
Diamond, graphite, and fullerenes are three noted allotropes of carbon with distinct characteristics such as rigid tetrahedral crystal structure, same plane arrangement, and spherical or tubular structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three noted allotropes of carbon are diamond, graphite, and fullerenes.
(a) Diamond:
Diamond is characterized by bonded atoms arranged in a rigid tetrahedral crystal structure. The bonded atoms form a three-dimensional network with each carbon atom bonded to four other carbon atoms. This results in a strong covalent network and gives diamond its hardness and ability to refract light.
(b) Graphite:
Graphite is characterized by bonded atoms arranged in the same plane, forming layers of hexagonal rings. Within each layer, carbon atoms are bonded to three other carbon atoms, creating a delocalized electron cloud. This delocalization of electrons gives graphite its ability to conduct electricity and its lubricating properties.
(c) Fullerenes:
Fullerenes are characterized by bonded atoms arranged in spherical or tubular structures. The most well-known fullerene is buckminsterfullerene or C60, which consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a soccer ball-like shape with 12 pentagonal and 20 hexagonal rings. Fullerenes have unique physical and chemical properties, making them useful in various applications such as medicine and electronics.
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