Graphene, a one atom thick planar sheet of carbon atoms bonded in a honeycomb crystal lattice, featured in the latest episode of the CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory. Here are a few facts about that most abundant and flexible of elements, carbon.
Carbon is the basis of organic chemistry, as it occurs in all living organisms.
Carbon is a non-metal that can bond with itself and many other chemical elements, forming nearly ten million compounds.
Elemental Carbon is made in the interiors of dying stars.
Carbon compounds have limitless uses. In its elemental form Diamond is a gemstone and used for drilling/cutting. graphite is used in pencils, as a lubricant and to protect against rust. The isotope carbon-14 is used in radiocarbon dating.
Carbon has the highest melting/sublimation point of the elements. The melting point of diamond is 3500 degrees C with the sublimation point of carbon around 3800 degrees C.
Pure carbon exists free in nature .and has been known since prehistoric times.
The origin of the name "carbon" comes from the Latin word Carbo for charcoal. ~The German and French words for charcoal are similar.
Pure Carbon is non toxic, although inhalation of small particles such as soot can cause damage to lung tissue.
Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe (hydrogen, helium and oxygen are found in higher amounts by mass).
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