Carbon (C): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Carbon is element 6 on the periodic table, a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DCarbon quick facts
| Atomic number | 6 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | C |
| Atomic mass | 12.011 |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Group and period | Group 14, period 2 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s² 2p² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 4 |
| Discovered | Ancient times |
What is carbon used for?
- Steel production (carbon content defines grade)
- Graphite in pencils & lubricants
- Diamond in cutting tools & jewellery
Interesting facts about carbon
- Carbon forms more compounds than all other elements combined. Over 10 million known
- Diamond and graphite are both pure carbon but completely different materials
- Carbon-14 radioactive dating can measure ages up to 50,000 years
Carbon has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
Where carbon sits on the periodic table
Carbon is in group 14, period 2. Tap any element to open its page.
Other nonmetals
Carbon questions
What is the atomic number of carbon?
Carbon has atomic number 6, so every carbon atom has 6 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is C and its atomic mass is 12.011.
Is carbon a metal?
Carbon is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a nonmetal, found in group 14, period 2.
What is the electron configuration of carbon?
The electron configuration of carbon is [He] 2s² 2p². Its electrons sit in 2 shells: 2, 4.
What is carbon used for?
Carbon is used for steel production (carbon content defines grade), graphite in pencils & lubricants and diamond in cutting tools & jewellery.
Who discovered carbon?
Carbon has been known since ancient times, long before anyone could call it an element.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.