Carbon
Carbon is a chemical element, with symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a Group 14 element, being nonmetallic and tetravalent making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds. Carbon is the sixth element in the periodic table. Located between boron (B) and nitrogen (N), it is a very stable element. Because it is stable, it can be found both by itself and in many naturally occurring compounds. Scientists describe the three states of carbon as diamond, amorphous, and graphite.
The carbon element is distributed very widely in nature. It is found in abundance in the sun, stars, comets, and atmospheres of most planets. All life on Earth depends on carbon. It is in nearly every biological compound that makes up our bodies, systems, organs, cells, and organelles. When you breathe out, there is a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon has been known and used for thousands of years. It was never really discovered. Ancient people knew of the black soot left over after a fire. That was carbon. Carbon is the sixth element in the periodic table. Located between boron (B) and nitrogen (N), it is a very stable element. Because it is stable, it can be found both by itself and in many naturally occurring compounds. Scientists describe the three states of carbon as diamond, amorphous, and graphite.
Check out this video for a basic introduction to Carbon Chemistry!
The carbon element is distributed very widely in nature. It is found in abundance in the sun, stars, comets, and atmospheres of most planets. All life on Earth depends on carbon. It is in nearly every biological compound that makes up our bodies, systems, organs, cells, and organelles. When you breathe out, there is a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon has been known and used for thousands of years. It was never really discovered. Ancient people knew of the black soot left over after a fire. That was carbon. Carbon is the sixth element in the periodic table. Located between boron (B) and nitrogen (N), it is a very stable element. Because it is stable, it can be found both by itself and in many naturally occurring compounds. Scientists describe the three states of carbon as diamond, amorphous, and graphite.
Check out this video for a basic introduction to Carbon Chemistry!