Which of the following allotrope of carbon is soft and slippery? 

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AAI Junior Assistant (Fire Service) Official Paper (Held On: 21 Apr, 2025 Shift 1)
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  1. Diamond
  2. Both Graphite and diamond
  3. Buckminsterfullerene
  4. Graphite

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Graphite
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Graphite.

Key Points

  • Graphite is an allotrope of carbon known for its soft and slippery texture.
  • It consists of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, connected by weak van der Waals forces, which allow the layers to slide over each other.
  • Graphite is widely used as a lubricant and in pencils due to its ability to leave marks on paper.
  • Unlike diamond, which is hard and rigid, graphite has a much lower hardness due to its layered structure.
  • Its electrical conductivity is high, making it useful in applications such as electrodes and batteries.

Additional Information

  • Diamond:
    • Diamond is another allotrope of carbon, known for its extreme hardness and brilliant optical properties.
    • It has a tetrahedral crystal structure, where each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms.
    • Diamonds are widely used in jewelry and industrial cutting tools.
  • Buckminsterfullerene:
    • Also known as "buckyballs," this allotrope consists of carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape (C60 molecule).
    • It has unique properties, including high chemical stability and potential applications in nanotechnology.
  • Van der Waals Forces:
    • These are weak forces of attraction between molecules or layers, such as those found between layers of graphite.
    • They are responsible for the slippery texture of graphite.
  • Applications of Graphite:
    • Used in batteries, lubricants, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors.
    • Its thermal and electrical conductivity make it valuable in high-tech industries.
Latest AAI Junior Assistant Updates

Last updated on Apr 24, 2025

-> The AAI Junior Assistant Response Sheet 2025 has been out on the official portal for the written examination.

-> AAI has released 168 vacancies for Western Region. Candidates had applied online from 25th February to 24th March 2025.

-> A total number of 152 Vacancies have been announced for the post of Junior Assistant (Fire Service) for Northern Region.

-> Eligible candidates can apply from 4th February 2025 to 5th March 2025. 

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-> Prepare for the exam with AAI Junior Assistant Previous year papers.

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