carbon
Definition
Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is the 15th most abundant element in the Earth's crust and, by mass, the fourth most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen, helium, and oxygen.
Carbon is a versatile element that can form a wide variety of compounds. It is the only element that can form four covalent bonds with itself, which allows it to form long chains and rings. This property makes carbon the basis of all organic compounds, which include living things.
Carbon is essential for life. It is found in all living things, from the smallest bacteria to the largest whales. Carbon is the building block of organic molecules such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is also involved in many important biological processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration.
Carbon is also important in the non-living world. It is found in fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. It is also used in many industrial processes, such as steelmaking and the production of plastics.
Here are some examples of the different forms of carbon:
- Diamond is a very hard, crystalline form of carbon. It is the hardest natural substance known.
- Graphite is a soft, black, flaky form of carbon. It is used in pencils and lubricants.
- Fullerenes are a new form of carbon that was discovered in the 1980s. They are spherical or cylindrical molecules made up of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern.
How can the word be used?
Carbon is an element that is found in all living things.
Different forms of the word
Noun: Carbon.
Adjective: Carbonaceous.
Verb: To carbonise.
Adverb: Carbonically.
Plural: Carbons.
Etymology
The word "carbon" comes from the Latin word "carbo", which means "coal". The Latin word "carbo" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ker-, which also means "coal".
Question
What is carbon?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Carbon is a key element in many biological molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
(a) Explain why carbon is so versatile in forming biological molecules.
(b) Describe two ways in which carbon can be cycled through the biosphere.
Answer:
(a) Carbon is versatile in forming biological molecules because it can form four covalent bonds. This allows carbon to form chains, rings, and other complex structures. Carbon atoms can also bond to other elements, such as oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, to form a wide variety of compounds.
(b) Two ways in which carbon can be cycled through the biosphere are:
Photosynthesis: In photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose, which is a carbohydrate. This process also releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
Respiration: Animals and other organisms respire, which is the process of breaking down glucose to produce energy. This process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
Here are some additional points that could be included in the answer:
The carbon cycle is a complex process that involves many different organisms and processes.
The carbon cycle is essential for life on Earth. It helps to regulate the Earth's temperature and provides a source of carbon for plants and animals.
The carbon cycle is being disrupted by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. This is leading to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which is contributing to climate change.