Allotropes and Flame Test Colours

Question 1

What is the structure and properties of Diamond?

Answer 1

3D tetrahedral (each C bonded to 4 others). Extremely hard, insulator, transparent, high melting point.

Question 2

What is the structure and properties of Graphite?

Answer 2

Layers of hexagonal sheets. Conducts electricity, slippery, soft, black.

Question 3

What is the structure and properties of Graphene?

Answer 3

Single atomic layer of graphite. Very strong, flexible, excellent conductor.

Question 4

What is the structure and properties of O2 (dioxygen)?

Answer 4

O=O double bond. Colourless gas, supports combustion, essential for life.

Question 5

What is the structure and properties of O3 (ozone)?

Answer 5

Bent molecule (O–O=O). Bluish gas, sharp smell, toxic, absorbs UV radiation.

Question 6

What is the structure and properties of White Tin (β-tin)?

Answer 6

Tetragonal metallic. Malleable, shiny, stable at room temperature.

Question 7

What is the structure and properties of Grey Tin (α-tin)?

Answer 7

Diamond-like covalent. Brittle, dull, non-metallic, forms below 13°C.

Question 8

What is the structure and properties of White Phosphorus?

Answer 8

P4 tetrahedra. Highly reactive, glows in dark, toxic, stored under water.

Question 9

What is the structure and properties of Red Phosphorus?

Answer 9

Chains of P atoms. More stable, used in matches, safer than white.

Question 10

What is the structure and properties of Black Phosphorus?

Answer 10

Layered like graphite. Most stable, brittle, shiny, conducts electricity.

Question 11

What is the structure and properties of Rhombic Sulfur?

Answer 11

S8 rings in orthorhombic crystals. Yellow, brittle, stable at room temperature.

Question 12

What is the structure and properties of Monoclinic Sulfur?

Answer 12

S8 rings in monoclinic structure. Forms at higher temperatures, less stable.

Question 13

What color does Sodium produce?

Answer 13

Yellow-orange

Question 14

What color does Potassium produce?

Answer 14

Lilac

Question 15

What color does Strontium produce?

Answer 15

Crimson

Question 16

What color does Lithium produce?

Answer 16

Dull red

Question 17

What color does Barium produce?

Answer 17

Pale green

Question 18

What color does Calcium produce?

Answer 18

Brick red

Question 19

What color does Copper produce?

Answer 19

Blue green

Question 20

What color does Iron (II) produce?

Answer 20

Green-Gold

Question 21

What color does Iron (III) produce?

Answer 21

Orange-Brown

Question 22

What color does Lead (II) produce?

Answer 22

Grey Blue

Question 23

What color does Magnesium produce?

Answer 23

White