Carbon is the sixth most abundant element in the atmosphere and fourth most in the universe. It is a non-metal found in coal, diamonds, and as the base for organic chemistry and hydrocarbons like fossil fuels. Carbon can be found in its pure form as graphite or diamond, and is known for its use in steel production and as a cooking fuel.

1. All About Carbon

2. The Composition of Carbon Atomic Number : 6 Number of Protons:6 Neutrons : 5,6,7,8 (with 5,7,&8 being isotopes) Electrons : 6 Block in the Periodic Table: P Group Number: 14 Period Number: 2 Classification: Non-metal

3. Carbon Facts Carbon is the 6 th most abundant element in the Atmosphere & 4 th most in the universe, yet only makes up 0.032% of the Earth’s crust. It is one of the most well-known elements and has been studied since ancient times. Carbon is often found in coal deposits but processed for commercial use (i.e. graphite; which can be found naturally but is often formed by petroleum coke in an oxygen free oven). Diamonds are the 3 rd most common natural occurrence of Carbon, yet one of the hardest materials known to man. Look at all that carbon!

4. Carbon Facts Continued Hydrocarbons : Coal, Petroleum, and Natural Gas (fossil fuels) Organic chemistry is based on carbon. Carbon is made inside stars yet we cannot prove it was formed at all during the Big Bang. The name Carbon comes from the Latin term Carbo for charcoal Pure Carbon is classified as non-toxic

5. Carbon Facts Continued In 1961 the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) announced the use of 12 C as the basis for atomic weight. Isotope 14 C is radioactive and has a half-life of 5730 years.

6. The Specifics Melting Point: 3500.0 °C/3773.15 °K Boiling Point: 4827.0 °C/5100.15 °K Density at 293 ° K: 2.62 g/cm3 Atomic Mass: 12.0107 amu (atomic mass units) Crystal Structure: Hexagonal Color: fairly close to black Information from: http://www.facts-about.org.uk/science-element-carbon.htm

7. Uses of Carbon Just a few uses for carbon include: - Carbon can be added to iron to make steel - Powdered Graphite Carbon can be used as charcoal in cooking & artwork - Charcoal pills can be used to absorb toxins in the digestive system - Bone black carbon can be used to decolorize raw sugar

8. How does the cycle of Carbon affect us? …check out the website to find out!

9. Pictures Cited http://serc.carleton.edu/images/usingdata/nasaimages/carbon_atom.gif http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/RAD/Figure_1.jpg http://www.mineralminers.com/images/diamond/mins/diam121.jpg http://www.theodoregray.com/PeriodicTable/Elements/Source-jensan/index.s7.html http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/pencil.gif http://www.actcharcoal.com/page/natural/product/4%5B1%5D.100CharcoalPills.jpg

10. Works Cited &quot;| Carbon | Essential information.&quot; WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements . 20 Jan. 2009 <http://www.webelements.com/carbon/>. &quot;Carbon.&quot; New York University . 20 Jan. 2009 <http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/modules/carbon/carbon1.html>. The Element Carbon . Jefferson Lab. 20 Jan. 2009 <http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele006.html>. &quot;Facts about Carbon.&quot; Facts About Everything! Arts, Literature, Science, History, Events, Entertainment, People, Places and the Natural World . 20 Jan. 2009 <http://www.facts-about.org.uk/science-element-carbon.htm>. &quot;10 Carbon Facts.&quot; Chemistry - Periodic Table, Chemistry Projects, and Chemistry Homework Help . 20 Jan. 2009 <http://chemistry.about.com/od/elementfacts/a/carbonfacts.htm>.