Carbon (C)
| General Properties | |
|---|---|
| Symbol: | C |
| Atomic Number: | 6 |
| Standard atomic weight (Ar): | 12.0107(8) |
| Electron configuration: | [He] 2s2 2p2 |
The sixth most copious chemical element in-universe is Carbon; and the foundation of all life on Earth. Carbon is present in all living things in some form or another and carbon is the main component of macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.
Carbon(C)carries group number 14 and period number 2 in the periodic table. It is solid and non-metal. The word carbon is primarily derived from the Latin word ‘carbo’. This word is habitually used for charcoal.
Carbon is pronounced as KAR-ben. It is usually obtained from coal deposits. It is further procced to make it accessible to commercial use. Carbon is tetravalent. It carries the capability to make four covalent bonds. Carbo holds three naturally occurring isotopes. Carbon makes up about 0.025% of the total earth crust.
It is found in many forms like Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon disulfide (CS2), etc. it is one of those elements known since yesteryear. Amorphous Carbon is also widely used these days. All are products of oxidation and other forms of decomposition of organic compounds. Based on weight, carbon is placed 19th in earth abundance.
Carbon occurs in various utilitarian forms. Graphite, one of the softest materials, is a form of carbon that is predominantly used as a lubricant. It occurs naturally as well as in commercial products. Graphite may occur in alpha and beta form. A common use of graphite lies as a lead.
Another merchandising form of carbon is Diamond. It is the hardest substance known. It contains a complex and intermingled structure of Carbon in a tetrahedral geometry. The most conspicuous use of diamonds is in jewelry. White carbon is also investigated form of carbon. It is transparent in appearance.
Being a requisite element, it forms 18% of the human body. Major carbohydrates are composed of carbon or carbon-containing compounds. It is used as fuel. Its alloys and other forms also fetch vital properties. Its forms are substantially used in commercial products.
Graphite plays a vital role in the lead industry; diamond is widely used in jewelry and industrial purposes. It helps in the respiration and the formation of many biomolecules. One cannot imagine life on earth without Carbon. I am carbon, you are carbon, carbon is life!