At normal temperature and pressure, there are two allotropes of tin. One of these allotropes is a brittle, dull powder known as “gray” tin. The other allotrope is a silvery solid that takes a high polish, and is known as “white” tin. One allotrope is a metallic conductor, the other is a semiconductor. Which is which? Briefly explain.
Allotropes: Allotropes are forms of the same element which exhibit different physical properties.
Examples: Allotropes of carbon, oxygen, phosphorous, tin, and Sulphur display the property known as allotropy.
Tin has two main allotropes at room temperature (overall tin has 10 stable isotopes).
The allotrope which is brittle, dull powder is α-tin. It is a semiconductor.
The allotrope which is a silvery solid that takes a high polish is β-tin. It is a metallic conductor.
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