Kolatomens

The carbon atom, symbol C and atomic number 6, is a nonmetal that sits at the center of chemistry. Its electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p2, giving four valence electrons and tetravalency, which enables diverse covalent bonding. Carbon readily forms bonds with itself and other elements, allowing the construction of long chains and rings that underpin organic chemistry and many materials.

Isotopes of carbon include stable carbon-12 and carbon-13, with carbon-14 being radioactive and widely used in radiocarbon dating. The atomic mass unit is defined as 1/12 the mass of carbon-12, and the mole is defined by Avogadro’s number.

Allotropes of carbon include diamond, which features a three-dimensional sp3 network of tetrahedrally bonded atoms; graphite, composed of planar sheets of sp2-hybridized carbon atoms; graphene, a single-atom-thick two-dimensional carbon lattice; and fullerenes, spherical cage-like molecules such as C60. These forms exhibit a wide range of physical properties, from extreme hardness to high electrical conductivity.

Natural occurrence and significance: Carbon is abundant in the universe and is fundamental to life on Earth. On Earth it appears in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, carbonate minerals, and vast amounts of organic matter. In biology, carbon atoms form the backbones of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Applications: Carbon-based materials have broad applications, including diamonds for cutting and industrial use, graphite and graphene for lubrication and electronics, and carbon fibers for advanced composites. In chemistry, carbon’s capacity for catenation and bond versatility enables extensive organic synthesis and materials science.