how the carbon atom was discovered

1. BY:
Muhammad Shammas

2. The person who discovered the carbon
atom
 Collaboration with Richard Smalley: In 1985, Kroto collaborated with
Richard Smalley's research group at Rice University in Houston, Texas.
During this collaboration, they discovered C60 and other fullerenes,
proving Kroto's hypothesis about the formation of long carbon chains.
 Significance of the Discovery: The discovery of fullerenes added a new
allotrope of carbon to the known forms of graphite and diamond, and it had
important implications for materials science, nanotechnology, and even
solar cell technology.
 Nobel Prize and Recognition: In 1996, Harry Kroto was awarded the
Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Richard Smalley and Robert F. Curl
for their discovery of fullerenes.
 Personal Traits: Harry Kroto was known for his strong opinions,
engagement in debates about atheism, and his dedication to science
education. He was also admired for his sense of humor and appreciation
for the arts.
 Legacy: Kroto's legacy includes his contributions to chemistry, particularly
in the field of nanoscience, as well as his efforts to promote science
education and outreach to children.

3. The person who discovered the carbon
atom

Discovery of Buckminsterfullerene: Harry Kroto was part of
the team that discovered buckminsterfullerene (C60),
commonly known as a Bucky ball. This discovery reshaped
the understanding of carbon chemistry, as it revealed that
large molecules like C60 could self-assemble from hot carbon
vapor.
 Education and Career: Kroto studied chemistry at the
University of Sheffield, earning his undergraduate degree in
1961 and his Ph.D. in 1964. He later worked at the University
of Sussex, where he became a professor.
 Interest in Interstellar Chemistry: In the 1970s, Kroto
became fascinated with the chemistry of interstellar space,
particularly the study of cyan acetylenes in molecular clouds
surrounding carbon-rich stars.

4. Introduction on the carbon atom
 Chemical Symbol and Atomic Number: Carbon is
represented by the chemical symbol C and has an atomic
number of 6, meaning it has six protons in its nucleus.
 Tetravalent Nature: Carbon is a tetravalent element, which
means that each carbon atom has four valence electrons
available for forming covalent chemical bonds. This property
allows carbon to form a diverse array of compounds.
 Group 6 Element: Carbon belongs to group 6 of the periodic
table, which is often referred to as the "carbon group."
Elements in this group share similar chemical properties.
 Abundance: Carbon makes up approximately 0.025 percent
of Earth's crust. It is the 15th most abundant element in
Earth's crust.

5. Introduction on the carbon atom
 Abundance in the Universe: Carbon is the fourth
most abundant element in the universe by mass,
following hydrogen, helium, and oxygen.
 Importance in Organic Chemistry: Carbon is
known for its unique diversity of organic compounds.
Organic chemistry is primarily the study of carbon-
containing compounds, and carbon plays a central
role in the chemistry of life.
 Polymer Formation: Carbon has the remarkable
ability to form long-chain molecules and polymers.
This property is essential for the formation of
complex organic molecules and materials.

6. Uses of a Carbon atom
 Now you may not even notice but carbon is used in
so many daily activities. Some of the most important
uses are:
 It makes up for 18% of the human body. Sugar,
glucose, proteins etc are all made of it. The food we
eat contains an important source of energy which we
call carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are nothing but
elements of carbon itself.
 Carbon in its diamond form is used in jewellery. But
diamonds are also used for industrial purposes. It is
the hardest substance known to man and so has
many uses in manufacturing processes.

7. Uses of a Carbon atom
 Amorphous carbon is used to make inks and paints.
It is also used in batteries.
 Graphite is used as the lead in your pencils. It is also
used in the production of steel.
 One of the most important uses is carbon dating. We
can actually use carbon to measure the age of
things. Scientists use a rare form of carbon called
Carbon-14 to measure the age of fossils, bones etc.
The release of this carbon-14 is recorded to estimate
the life of the said organic substance. This is how
scientists find the age and period of dinosaur bones
and fossils!

8. Harry
Kroto
Richard
Smalley
Robert F. Curl

9. Buckminsterfullerene/
Bucky ball
Diamond structure Graphite structure

11. FACTS ON CARBON:
THE END