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Carbon is an element that has 'allotropes' - different crystalline forms that look different from each other and have different physical properties, and yet are made from the same kinds of atoms - carbon atoms. Carbon produces four true allotropes: Charcoal is a black powder that is not truly crystalline. Soot and amorphous carbon are all variations of this allotrope and all look the same - a black powder. Graphite is the substance used in pencils (it isn't 'lead' and never has been!) and in its pure state is a grey, greasy looking shiny solid which, if stroked is very slimy to the touch. Carbon fibre is a refined form of graphite. The carbon atoms in graphite are in sheets that can slide over each other - creating its slippery properties. Diamond is a clear colourless crystalline solid that, in its pure state forms crystals that resemble 2 Egyptian pyramids placed base to base. (Diamonds in jewellery have been cut into different shapes to reflect light in a pleasing way). Diamond is the hardest naturallly occurring material in the world. In diamoond the atoms are bonded together strongly in a large 3-dimensional lattice giving the diamond its great hardness. Finally, there is the allotrope Buckminsterfullerene discovered in 1985 by Harold W. Kroto, Robert F. Curl and Richard E. Smalley who won the Nobel prize in 1996 for their discovery. Buckminsterfullerene has the appearance of a shiny black powder, but differs in its structure from the other allotropes in that the carbon atoms in it form hollow balls of 60 carbon atoms in each. Research is now being undertaken to extend these balls into hollow tubes so that long carbon 'nanotubes' can be made. If these are eventually made on a large scale, they will be immenselly strong being able to make fibres that are stronger than any other at the moment. As an example, it is believed that such a fibre could suspend a car (automobile) without breaking and still be the less than the thickness of a human hair.

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8mo ago

Carbon is a light grey or black solid in its pure form. It can exist in various allotropes, such as graphite and diamond, each with unique physical properties. Carbon atoms can also bond with other elements to form compounds with diverse appearances, such as colorful organic molecules.

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Q: Appearance of carbon
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Related questions

What 2 elements are not sliver?

I guess you are referring to the shiny metallic appearance when you say 'silver' Carbon is not silver in appearance. Sulphur is not silver in appearance. Both Carbon and Sulphur are elements.


Does Astatine has a similar appearance as Carbon?

Yes, Astatine is black in color just like carbon.


What are the appearance of carbon?

Carbon has many forms. Soot, graphite, fullerenes, Buckeyballs, nanotubes, for some examples.


What is the physical appearance of carbon?

Carbon exists in various forms, including black powder (graphite), shiny crystals (diamond), and buckyballs (fullerenes). The physical appearance of carbon depends on its form, such as being opaque and flaky in graphite, transparent and refractive in diamond, or resembling a hollow sphere in fullerenes.


How do you determine a carbon type resistor?

The only way I can really think of is to look at it, because of carbon's gray appearance it should be pretty easy to tell.


What is bright steel?

bright steel gets its name from its appearance, due to the high carbon content.


What happens to nylon when you burn?

If you burn nylon, it simply turns into a black solid, whose appearance will be like that of carbon


How do you raise your cars heat on need for speed carbon?

add more vinals and tune up your cars appearance


Is carbon shiny?

No, carbon in its pure form is not typically shiny. It can appear as a dull black or grey color in its natural state. However, certain forms of carbon, such as synthetic diamonds, can be cut and polished to create a shiny appearance.


What is the appearance of a metal and carbon combination?

A metal and carbon combination can appear shiny and metallic, with a color that can range from silver to gray or black depending on the specific metal and carbon content. The presence of carbon can also give the material added strength and hardness.


How did carbon get its name?

The word "carbon" comes from the Latin word "carbo," meaning charcoal or coal. Carbon was likely named after these carbon-containing materials due to their black color and similarity in appearance.


What is the common appearance of the majority of all of the chemical elements?

carbon,hydrogen.and oxgen.trust me im in hige school.so i know what im talking about.