Page 36 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Carbon (C)
Element 6.A non-metallic element in group 4 in the Periodic Table.
Carbon forms a uniquely large range of compounds. It is found in about 90% of all known compounds, even though it is not especially plentiful.The isotope carbon-12 is used as the standard relative to which the atomic mass of all the other elements is measured.The isotope carbon-14 is radioactive and allows radiocarbon dating.
Key facts...
Name: carbon
Symbol: C
Atomic number: 6
Atomic weight: 12.01
Position in Periodic Table: group 4 (14)
(carbon group); period 2
State at room temperature: solid
Colour: graphite is black, diamond is colourless Density of solid: diamond: 3.52 g/cc;
graphite: 2.25 g/cc
Melting point: 3,550°C
Boiling point: 4,827°C
Origin of name: from the Latin word carbo,
meaning charcoal
Shell pattern of electrons: 2–4
Carbon makes crystalline diamond and graphite as well as the deposit called carbon black, the result of combustion.
Of the many impure non-crystalline forms of carbon, the most common are coal, coke and charcoal.
Carbon is found in all living matter.
Carbon group elements – group
4 in the Periodic Table – include carbon, silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn) and lead (Pb).
Discovery
Carbon has been known since ancient times
Technology
Diamond is the hardest natural substance, is transparent and is regarded as a gemstone. It is also a poor conductor
of electricity. It is used as a cutting tool. Graphite is opaque, soft and conducts electricity very well. Its slippery properties make it useful as a lubricant and as the ‘lead’ in pencils. Coal, coke and charcoal are fuels. Charcoal also absorbs gases to
 A diagrammatic representation of a section of rayon. The rayon polymer can be made of up to 270 glucose units derived from cellulose.
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A glucose unit (C6H12O6)