Question

How many types of atoms are in carbon?

Answer 1

Hint: In the above question, it is asked how many types of atoms are in carbon. This question is an indirect question asking about isotopes and allotropes of carbon. There are 2 stable isotopes of carbon and 3 allotropes of carbon.

Complete step by step solution
Isotopes are the elements having the same number of protons but different number of neutrons.
Carbon has 15 isotopes out of which only 2 are stable carbon-12 and carbon-13. Carbon 12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons whereas carbon-13 has 6 protons and 7 neutrons.
Allotropes can be defined as two or more physical forms in which an element exists.
Graphite, Diamond and Buckminsterfullerene are the allotropes of carbon.

Additional information
A diamond is one giant molecule of carbon atoms. Diamonds are colourless and transparent. They sparkle and reflect light and hence, are considered as lustrous. These properties make them desirable in items of jewellery.
Graphite is black, shiny and opaque. It is not transparent. It is a very slippery material and hence, it is used in pencil leads because layers easily slide onto the paper, leaving a black mark.

Note
Carbon has an extraordinary ability in which it can bind with a wide variety of other elements. Carbon has 4 valence electrons using which it can form chemically stable covalent bonds. Carbon forms multiple bonds which are small atoms which include hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. It can also form carbon-carbon bonds. Carbon can even form single, double and triple bonds with other carbon atoms.