noun
- the existence of a chemical element in two or more different forms in the same physical state
Usage: chemistry
Examples
- Carbon exhibits allotropy in the forms of diamond, graphite, and fullerenes.
- The allotropy of sulfur includes several crystalline forms.
- Students learned about allotropy when studying different forms of phosphorus.
- Oxygen’s allotropy is demonstrated by the existence of both O2 and ozone.
- The concept of allotropy helps explain why diamond and graphite have different properties.
- Tin shows allotropy with its white and gray forms.