Atomica
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5. Boron7. Nitrogen
6C12.011

Carbon

Reactive non-metals

Poor conductors that build the molecules of living things and much of the air.

[He] 2s² 2p²

Atomic number
6
Atomic mass
12.011
Protons
6
Neutrons
6 (most common)
Electrons
6
Shells
2, 4
State at 25 °C
Solid
Position
Group 14, period 2
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byKnown since ancient times

People have used carbon as charcoal and soot for thousands of years. Lavoisier showed in the 1770s that diamond is a form of carbon.

Did you know?

  • Diamond and graphite are both pure carbon, just arranged differently.
  • Carbon forms millions of compounds, more than almost any other element.

Where it's found

  • All living things
  • Diamond, graphite and coal
  • Carbon dioxide in the air

What it's used for

  • Pencil ‘lead’ (graphite)
  • Steel making
  • Fuels like coal and petrol

Try it

The pencil wireSafe at home
  1. 1Draw a thick, dark strip on paper with a soft pencil (6B works best).
  2. 2Touch one wire of a 9 V battery and LED circuit to each end of the strip.
  3. 3Try a shorter strip.

What you'll see: The LED glows dimly, and brighter with a shorter strip. Graphite conducts electricity.