Question

Explain the following. 

Uses of various allotropes of carbon.

Answer 1

1. Diamond:
   1. used in glass cutting and rock drilling machines.
   2. used in ornaments.
   3. diamond knives are used in eye surgery.
   4. diamond dust is used for polishing other diamonds.
   5. used to make windows give protection from radiation in space and in artificial satellites.
2. Graphite:
   1. used for making lubricants.
   2. used for making carbon electrodes.
   3. used in pencils for writing.
   4. used in paints and polish.
   5. used in arc lamps which give a very bright light.
3. Fullerene:
   1. Fullerenes are used as insulators.
   2. Fullerenes are used as a catalyst in water purification.
   3. At a certain temperature fullerene exhibits superconductivity.
4. Coal:
   1. Coal is used as fuel in factories and homes.
   2. Coal is used to obtain coke, coal gas and coal tar.
   3. Coal is used in thermal power plants for generation of electricity.
   4. Charcoal is used in the purification of water and organic material.
5. Coke:
   1. Used as domestic fuel.
   2. Coke is used as a reducing agent.
   3. Coke is used in the production of aeriform fuel such as water gas (CO + H₂) and producer gas (CO + H₂ + CO₂ + N₂).