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6 C Carbon 12.011

Carbon

POLYATOMIC NONMETAL
Bohr Model: Electrons arranged in energy shells around the nucleus.

Carbon (from Latin:carbo "coal") is a chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. On the periodic table, it is the first (row 2) of six elements in column (group) 14, which have in common the composition of their outer electron shell. It is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds.

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Quick Facts

Atomic Number 6
Period 2
Group 14
Phase Solid
Appearance Unknown
About Polyatomic Nonmetals

Polyatomic nonmetals are elements that form bonds with distinct molecular structures. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity.

History

Discovered By Ancient Egypt
Named By Unknown

Physical Properties

Atomic Mass 12.011
Density 1.821 g/L
Molar Heat 8.517 J/(mol·K)
Phase Transition (Melting & Boiling Points)

Carbon phase transition data is unavailable.

Atomic Properties

Electron Config [He] 2s2 2p2
Electronegativity 2.55
Electron Affinity 121.7763 kJ/mol
Ionization Energy 1086.5 kJ/mol
Orbital Filling Diagram
This diagram visualizes electron configuration according to the Aufbau principle and Hund's rule. Boxes represent orbitals (s, p, d, f), while arrows indicate electrons with spin up or down. Electrons fill lower energy levels first and occupy orbitals singly before pairing.
Emission Spectrum Emission spectrum of Carbon

Photograph

Image of Carbon Source: Wikipedia

External Resources

Wikipedia PubChem Royal Society of Chemistry Periodic Videos (YouTube)

Study Guide

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus, which defines the element.

Atomic Mass

The average mass of an atom, including protons and neutrons.

Electronegativity

A measure of how strongly an atom attracts electrons in a bond.

Ionization Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Electron Config

The arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy shells.