WHAT IS THE VERSATILE NATURE OF CARBON?

Introduction

Considering the abundance of the elements present in the earth’s crust, it can be said that carbon ranks 19th in that context. Elemental carbon is a minor kind of component, however, on the contrary, compounds of carbon such as calcium and magnesium carbonate are important and serve as a valuable resource to human beings. Carbon has a versatile nature, which makes it very useful for different chemical and biological processes. Tracing back to the history of carbon, it can be found that elemental carbon was initially discovered by a person while handling charcoal from fire. Therefore, along with elements such as iron, gold, mercury, etc. carbon exists with a small group of elements known in the primitive world. The role and evolution of carbon in organic chemistry developed with time. Is carbon a metal? It is indeed an intriguing question. Is it? The answer to this question can be obtained only after discussing the carbon element and its characteristics.

Nature of carbon

The carbon element is a chemical element such as elements such as hydrogen, lead, etc. present in the periodic table. It can be found in abundance. The pure forms of carbon elements found in the earth’s crust are graphite and diamonds. Moreover, carbon elements can mix with other elements in order to result in molecules. These carbon-containing molecules serve as the basic foundation blocks for plants, animals, humans, soils, etc. On studying the nature of the carbon element it can be discovered that greenhouse gasses such as methane, and carbon dioxide are composed of carbon. In fact, there are some fossil fuels that are formed from hydrocarbons i.e. hydrogen and carbon.

Life on earth is formed of carbon, and it needs to be taken into account that carbon elements are necessary to build intricate molecules, namely DNA and proteins. In addition to this, the earth’s temperature is somewhat controlled by carbon, and it is worthy of mentioning the fact that carbon serves as a key element in the food that is eaten by human beings for sustenance. Carbon elements can be considered a significant energy source that boosts the economy of the world. 

Characteristic of carbon

The carbon symbol is C, and it is a chemical element that occupies its position in Group 14 (IV) of the periodic table. Carbon symbols have historical background too, and it is required to address the historical evolution of the element to address its versatile nature. The chemical name of carbon is derived from the Latin word “carbo” which actually means coal. The carbon symbol C has been assigned to the carbon element as the element symbol of atomic number 6 is C. There have been several traditional uses of carbon elements in the form of charcoal. The carbon element’s atomic number is 6, and the carbon symbol is C as an atom of carbon consists of 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons. 

Is carbon a metal? It needs to be considered that carbon is a nonmetal as it is present in the Group in the periodic table that is known as Group IV A. It is necessarily nonmetal as it is flammable, however, an interesting fact is that carbon elements in their pure form are not explosive in nature.. Carbon is a nonmetal as the electronic configuration of carbon along with its 4 electrons in the valence shell and it posses all the characteristics of nonmetals

Carbon is a chemical element with several qualities that contribute to its versatility. It also needs to be taken into account that carbon has the ability to bond with the four atoms that it has. One of the major properties of carbon is catenation as it enables one atom of the carbon element to tag along with another atom thereby forming long chains of carbon. Carbon has a large number of compounds that undergo chemical reactions to form fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, etc. The structures of organic compounds have sundry and unique features that largely contribute to the study of organic chemistry. Another interesting fact that emphasizes the versatile nature of carbon is that molecules that serve as the base for proteins, hormones, nucleic acid, vitamins, etc. consist of carbon. Carbon compounds can be found in cotton, medicines, silk, and plastics. It has been observed that organic compounds are basically the compounds of carbon, therefore, the study of organic chemistry involves the study of carbon compounds.  

Conclusion

Needless to say, carbon is a versatile element as a result of its versatile nature. Carbon is nothing but a nonmetal that has atomic number 6. In addition to this, the symbol of carbon is C, and it has chemical properties that play a significant role in the study of a branch of chemistry known as organic chemistry. Therefore, carbon can be considered a significant element that has a large number of compounds. The nature of carbon is such that it is the building block of the living components of nature.