Carbon (C)
Reactive nonmetal · p-block · period 2 · group 14
Black (graphite/coal) or transparent (diamond) — same element, different structure.
Carbon (symbol C) is chemical element number 6, a reactive nonmetal in group 14, period 2 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 12.011 and its electron configuration is [He] 2s2 2p2. At room temperature it is a solid. The basis of all known life and of an entire branch of chemistry (organic).
Properties
| Atomic number | 6 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 12.011 |
| Category | Reactive nonmetal |
| Block | p-block |
| Group · Period | 14 · 2 |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s2 2p2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 4 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | — |
| Boiling point | — |
| Density | 2.267 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.55 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | Known since antiquity · Known since antiquity |
Key facts about Carbon
- The basis of all known life and of an entire branch of chemistry (organic).
- Diamond and graphite are both pure carbon: one the hardest natural material, the other soft and slippery.
- Forms more compounds than every other element combined.
- Carbon-14 dating measures the slow decay of a rare radioactive form.
What Carbon is used for
Steelmaking, electrodes, pencils, lubricants, filters, tyres, carbon-fibre composites, diamonds.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Carbon is in group 14, period 2, of the p-block. Its electron configuration [He] 2s2 2p2 means its outermost shell holds 4 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Carbon on the interactive table →
Carbon — frequently asked questions
What is Carbon used for?
Steelmaking, electrodes, pencils, lubricants, filters, tyres, carbon-fibre composites, diamonds.
Is Carbon radioactive?
No. Carbon has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Carbon?
Carbon has the electron configuration [He] 2s2 2p2, which is 2, 4 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Carbon in?
Carbon is in group 14, period 2, in the p-block. Its outer shell holds 4 electrons.
Who discovered Carbon?
Carbon has been known since ancient times.