Using Vectors to Construct Carbon Nanotubes

Many elements exist in two or more different forms. These unique chemical species are known as allotropes. The element carbon has many allotropes, some more common than others. The most wellknown carbon allotropes are diamond and graphite. Even though they are both made of only carbon atoms, diamond and graphite have very different properties due to the way the atoms are bonded to each other. In this activity students will get a hands on chance to construct and analyze these different carbon structures by making use of macroscopic models.

Full Instructions

Answer Key

Hexagon Sleeve

Hexagons for Transparencies

Materials

• Overhead or Projector
• “Blue-tak”
• Hexagon Sleeve Handouts

Carbon Nanotubes & Buckyballs Pages