MCQ Detailed View

Carbon is a versatile element found in many forms, ranging from soft, amorphous substances to hard crystalline materials. The purest form of carbon is anthracite, which is a type of hard coal with a high carbon content, typically above 90%. Anthracite contains very few impurities such as sulfur, ash, and moisture, making it the purest natural carbon form commonly available.

Other forms of carbon have different properties and levels of purity:

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  Lampblack is produced from incomplete combustion of oils or resins. It contains a lot of impurities and has low density, so it is not considered pure.

  
  


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  Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon and is relatively pure, but natural graphite usually contains trace impurities like silica or metallic oxides, so it is slightly less pure than anthracite.

  
  

Anthracite is primarily used as a fuel due to its high calorific value and clean-burning nature. It is also important in metallurgy and chemical industries where high-purity carbon is required. Its hardness and compact structure make it a reliable source of carbon for industrial purposes.

Understanding the different forms of carbon is an essential part of chemistry, particularly when studying organic chemistry, materials science, and industrial chemistry. Knowledge of the purity and properties of carbon forms helps in selecting the appropriate material for chemical reactions, manufacturing, and energy production.

Therefore, the correct answer is Anthracite, as it represents the purest natural form of carbon available, with the least amount of impurities.