How to Research Carbon

Carbon, the sixth element in the periodic table, comprises 0.5 percent of all matter in the universe. Carbon is the only element that can form complex molecules and is the element that forms the basis of life. This element has much to offer students not only of science but also of history, and a little research will provide helpful information about this abundant element.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A periodic chart

1. Read up on carbon's Latin roots and history. Look for information on why carbon is named for the Latin word "carbo," meaning coal. Also check for facts about how charcoal is almost pure carbon.

2. Look for information about why carbon was discovered and isolated as charcoal by burning organic material in insufficient oxygen.

3. Read about the geology of carbon to understand why it occurs in three forms: amorphous carbon (coal), graphite and diamond. Study world economics to see that graphite is mined in Greenland, India, Korea, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka and the United States. Include research on diamond mining, primarily in southern Africa, but also in Canada, the Russian Arctic, Brazil and Northwestern Australia.

4. Search chemistry and physics Web sites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of carbon—its status as the only element that can form complex molecules. Make sure to look for facts about carbon's appearance, reactivity and other chemical and physical properties.

5. Look for information on chemical properties to understand why charcoal is used for removing tastes and odors. Study industrial applications, including the fact that graphite is used to make crucibles, pencils, rust preventatives, lubricants and rods for nuclear reactors. Research additional uses to learn how the diamond is prized as a gemstone and is also used for cutting and drilling.

6. Search for information on biochemistry to learn why carbon's ability to form complex molecules makes it essential for life. Be sure to understand that organic compounds (containing carbon) outnumber inorganic (not containing carbon) by an enormous amount and why this disparity will increase with time.

Tips & Warnings

• Elemental carbon is not toxic but many of its compounds, like cyanide, are lethally poisonous.

[Cherrie]

on 12/29/2008 Well done article. Thanks