Periodic table / Carbon

Overview

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.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Carbon is [He] 2s2 2p2, with electron shells of 2, 4.

Physical and chemical properties

Carbon is classified as a nonmetal. It has an atomic mass of 12.011 and exists as a solid at standard conditions.

Real-world uses of Carbon

Carbon plays an important role in chemistry and biology, and is used in industrial processes, manufacturing, or as a key component of compounds essential to life.

Interesting facts about Carbon

• Carbon has the atomic number 6 and chemical symbol C.
• It belongs to period 2, group 14 of the periodic table.
• Carbon was known to humans since Ancient Egypt.

Explore Carbon interactively

Want to compare Carbon with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on C to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.