Uses for Elements in the Carbon Family Some Interesting Facts

Members of the Carbon Family Carbon Silicon Germanium Tin Lead

Carbon

Silicon

Germanium

Tin

Lead

What do they have in common? SOME FAMILY… Some are metals, some are nonmetals, and some are metalloids Lead is poisonous, but carbon is essential to life The all look really different BUT… They all have 4 valence electrons. They react in similar ratios with oxygen and other elements. They can form up to 4 bonds – more than any other family!!

SOME FAMILY…

Some are metals, some are nonmetals, and some are metalloids

Lead is poisonous, but carbon is essential to life

The all look really different

BUT…

They all have 4 valence electrons.

They react in similar ratios with oxygen and other elements.

They can form up to 4 bonds – more than any other family!!

Carbon Carbon is found in every living creature. Elemental carbon can be black (graphite), or hard and beautiful (diamonds). Building block of fossil fuels (gasoline and oil) Basis of organic chemistry

Carbon is found in every living creature.

Elemental carbon can be black (graphite), or hard and beautiful (diamonds).

Building block of fossil fuels (gasoline and oil)

Basis of organic chemistry

Silicon Important semi-conductor used in computer chips, solar cells, and transistors. Second most plentiful element in the earth’s crust. SiO 2 is the main ingredient in glass.

Important semi-conductor used in computer chips, solar cells, and transistors.

Second most plentiful element in the earth’s crust.

SiO 2 is the main ingredient in glass.

Germanium Important for its semiconductor properties. One of few substances that expand when frozen. Can be recovered from refining zinc ores or from the gases of coal combustion.

Important for its semiconductor properties.

One of few substances that expand when frozen.

Can be recovered from refining zinc ores or from the gases of coal combustion.

Lead Extensively used in plumbing. Used to be added to gasoline to prevent engine knocking. Used to block radiation – very dense metal Neurotoxin – may have contributed to fall of the Roman empire.

Extensively used in plumbing.

Used to be added to gasoline to prevent engine knocking.

Used to block radiation – very dense metal

Neurotoxin – may have contributed to fall of the Roman empire.

Tin Once used to make disposable cans, now cheaper aluminum cans are coated inside with tin. Has been known for centuries and used for it’s relative non-reactivity.

Once used to make disposable cans, now cheaper aluminum cans are coated inside with tin.

Has been known for centuries and used for it’s relative non-reactivity.