Carbon forms more known compounds than any other element because its atoms bond strongly to themselves and many other elements.
Atomic number
6
Category
Reactive nonmetal
Period
2
Group
14
State
Solid
Fun facts about Carbon
Diamond and graphite are allotropes with very different structures.
Carbon-14 is used to date once-living material.
Carbon is the structural basis of proteins, DNA, fats, and carbohydrates.
Common uses of Carbon
Steelmaking
Graphite electrodes and lubricants
Activated-carbon filtration
Where Carbon sits in the periodic table
Carbon is classified as a reactive nonmetal in period 2 and group 14 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol C with atomic number 6 and the listed atomic mass 12.011. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.