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Description of the Carbon Atom

Carbon, written with the symbol C, has an atomic number of 6 and a mass of 12.011 atomic mass units. Occurring naturally in the environment as charcoal, graphite, oil and diamond, carbon ranks sixth as the planet's most plentiful element. It is essential to living organisms, having an entire branch of chemistry dedicated to its study. Organic chemistry studies carbon and all its derivative forms.

Atomic Structure
- Carbon consists of 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6 electrons, four of which are in its outer shell. Each of the four valence electrons are able to form covalent bonds. Covalent bonding refers to atoms sharing electrons, so that the outer shell is filled. The atomic structure lends carbon its uniqueness and importance to living things. Carbon is the only element capable of forming bonds with itself as well as other elements, particularly nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen.
Properties
- Pure carbon exists in several forms, called allotropes, such as diamond and graphite. Although it is not a metal, carbon belongs to the class of semiconductors, elements that conduct electricity through electron movement. Carbon's melting point ranges from 3,550 to 3,697 degrees Celsius (6,420 to 6,685 Fahrenheit), depending on its form. Carbon boils at 4,200 degrees C (7,590 F) as amorphous or graphite, and 4,827 degrees C (8,720 F) as diamond.
Carbon Isotopes
- Isotopes are atoms of the same element having equal amounts of electrons and protons, but different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes of carbon total 17, the most common of which are carbon-12 and carbon-13. Remaining carbon isotopes are radiocarbons, useful in medicine and science. Having a half-life of 5,730 years, carbon-14 is used in radiocarbon dating, a process for dating the remains of dead organisms. Argonne National Laboratory reports that radiocarbon dating reliably dates organisms up to 50,000 years old.
Compounds
- Due to carbon's bonding capabilities, many compounds containing it exist. Examples include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and the fossil fuels. Consisting of only carbon and hydrogen, fossil fuels are hydrocarbons useful for stove cooking, lighting and operating automobiles. Coal, methane, oil and ethylene are some common hydrocarbons. Carbon is also part of essential macromolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Fun Facts
- Coal was the first form of carbon discovered. It exists in the dark form of graphite and is transparent as diamond. Carbon is used to make lead for pencils from clay and graphite. .

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