6 C 12.011

Carbon

polyatomic nonmetal

Properties

Atomic number
6
Atomic mass
12.011 u
Category
polyatomic nonmetal
Group
14
Period
2
Block
p-block
State (room temp)
Solid
Outer-shell electrons
4
Electronegativity
2.55 (Pauling)
Density
1.821 g/cm³
Melting point
-
Boiling point
-

Electron configuration

1s² 2s² 2p²

Noble-gas shorthand: [He] 2s² 2p²

Electrons per shell: 2, 4, which is 4 in the outermost shell.

Related: electron configuration, the Bohr model, valence electrons.

C
Bohr model; outer-shell electrons in blue

About Carbon

Carbon (from Latin:carbo "coal") is a chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. On the periodic table, it is the first (row 2) of six elements in column (group) 14, which have in common the composition of their outer electron shell. It is nonmetallic and tetravalent: making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds.

Carbon: frequently asked questions

What is Carbon?
Carbon (C) is the chemical element with atomic number 6. It is a nonmetal (polyatomic nonmetal).
What is the atomic number of Carbon?
Carbon's atomic number is 6, which means every Carbon atom has 6 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Carbon?
The electron configuration of Carbon is 1s2 2s2 2p2 (noble-gas shorthand: [He] 2s2 2p2). Its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 4, with 4 in the outermost shell.
Is Carbon a metal or a nonmetal?
Carbon is a nonmetal (polyatomic nonmetal).
What group and period is Carbon in?
Carbon is in group 14 and period 2 of the periodic table.
Is Carbon a solid, liquid, or gas?
At room temperature, Carbon is a solid.

Position in the periodic table

Open the interactive periodic table →

Data compiled from Wikipedia, PubChem, and IUPAC. Source.