Which of the following elements exhibit maximum number of allotropes ?

Options

A. Tin
B. Germanium
C. Silicon
D. Lead

Answer

To determine which of the given elements exhibits the maximum number of allotropes, we need to analyze the allotropes of each element listed in the options: tin, germanium, silicon, and lead.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Allotropes**:
- Allotropes are different forms of the same element that exist in the same physical state but have different arrangements of atoms. This phenomenon is common in elements from groups 13 to 16 of the periodic table.

2. **Analyzing Each Element**:
- **Tin (Sn)**: Tin exhibits three allotropes:
- Alpha tin (β-tin)
- Beta tin (α-tin, which is the most stable form)
- Gamma tin
- **Germanium (Ge)**: Germanium has two allotropes:
- Alpha germanium
- Beta germanium
- **Silicon (Si)**: Silicon also has two allotropes:
- Amorphous silicon
- Crystalline silicon
- **Lead (Pb)**: Lead does not exhibit any allotropes.

3. **Comparing the Allotropes**:
- From the analysis:
- Tin has 3 allotropes.
- Germanium has 2 allotropes.
- Silicon has 2 allotropes.
- Lead has 0 allotropes.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Among the given elements, tin exhibits the maximum number of allotropes, which is 3.

### Final Answer:
The element that exhibits the maximum number of allotropes is **tin (option 1)**.