Carbon: An Overview

Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a non-metallic element that is essential for life on Earth. Carbon exists in various forms, including graphite, diamond, and as a constituent of organic compounds.

Properties of Carbon

• Atomic number: 6
• Symbol: C
• Atomic mass: 12.01 amu
• Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p²
• Boiling point: 4827 degrees Celsius
• Melting point: 3550 degrees Celsius
• Common allotropes: graphite, diamond, amorphous carbon

Forms of Carbon

Carbon occurs in different forms, known as allotropes. The most common allotropes of carbon are:

1. Graphite: A soft, black, lustrous form of carbon. It is a good conductor of electricity and is used in pencils and as a lubricant.
2. Diamond: A crystalline form of carbon with a rigid, three-dimensional structure. It is the hardest known natural material and is prized for its use in jewelry and industrial cutting tools.
3. Fullerenes: Molecules composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, tube, or many other shapes.
4. Amorphous carbon: A form of carbon that lacks the crystalline structure of graphite or diamond. It includes materials such as charcoal, soot, and coal.

Role of Carbon in the Environment

Carbon plays a crucial role in the environment through the carbon cycle, which involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. This cycle includes processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, and the formation of fossil fuels.

Study Guide Questions

1. What is the atomic number of carbon?
2. Describe the properties of graphite and diamond.
3. Explain the role of carbon in the environment.
4. Discuss the concept of carbon allotropy.
5. How does carbon participate in the carbon cycle?

[Carbon] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• The MoleChemistry • High School