Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Carbon is chemically versatile, forming single, double, and triple covalent bonds with diverse elements.
Z = 6Reactive Nonmetal
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabCarbon
C
Standard Atomic Mass: 12.011 u
Period 2Group 14P-Block
Chemical Specimen/C
Concentric Electron Shells2 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 4e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Reactive Nonmetal
3D Atom SimulatorCarbon (C) Scientific Profile
Carbon is the foundational cornerstone of all organic chemistry. Its unique capacity for catenation (forming stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms) gives rise to millions of biological and synthetic molecules.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Carbon
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[He]2s²2p²
Electronegativity
2.55 Pauling
Year Discovered
Ancient
Orbital Shells
2 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
p-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 14 • P: 2
Etymology & Discovery History
Name OriginLatin 'carbo'
Literal MeaningCoal / Charcoal
Discovery HubKnown since ancient prehistoric times globally
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Employed in carbon fibers, structural steels, lithium-ion battery anodes (graphite), and diamond tools.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Carbon constitutes 18.5% of human body mass, forming the backbone of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Carbon are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Carbon is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Carbon?
Carbon (C) has an atomic number of 6 and a standard atomic mass of 12.011 u. It is positioned in Period 2, Group 14, in the P-block, and is classified within the Reactive Nonmetal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Carbon?
The ground-state electron configuration of Carbon is [He]2s²2p². Its 6 electrons are distributed across 2 principal energy levels (2, 4).
Q
Why does Carbon exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Carbon follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Carbon?
Employed in carbon fibers, structural steels, lithium-ion battery anodes (graphite), and diamond tools.