Carbon (C)
Carbon (C, element 6) is a nonmetal in group 14, period 2. Atomic mass 12.011, electron configuration [He] 2s² 2p², uses and facts.
About Carbon
Carbon is a nonmetal with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 14, period 2 of the periodic table. Carbon has been known since antiquity.
Carbon key facts
- Atomic number: 6
- Symbol: C
- Atomic mass: 12.011 u
- Category: nonmetal
- Group: 14
- Period: 2
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [He] 2s² 2p²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.55
- Melting point: 3823 K (3549.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 4098 K (3824.85 °C)
- Density: 2.267 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −4, −3, −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of carbon is [He] 2s² 2p². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Carbon has 4 valence electrons.
Uses of carbon
- Steel production
- Diamonds
- Organic chemistry
Did you know?
Can exist as diamond (hardest natural material) and graphite (one of softest): same element!
Other elements in group 14 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of carbon?
The atomic number of carbon is 6, which means every carbon atom has 6 protons.
What is the electron configuration of carbon?
The electron configuration of carbon is [He] 2s² 2p².
What group and period is carbon in?
Carbon is a nonmetal in group 14, period 2.
What state is carbon at room temperature?
Carbon is a solid at room temperature.
What is carbon used for?
Carbon is used for steel production, diamonds, organic chemistry.