C

    Carbon

    Nonmetal

    Atomic Number: 6 • Atomic Mass: 12.0110 u • Period: 2 • Group: 14

    Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p²
    Phase: Solid
    Electronegativity: 2.55

    Physical & Chemical Properties

    Physical Properties

    • Exists in multiple allotropes with vastly different properties
    • Diamond is the hardest natural material
    • Graphite is soft and electrically conductive
    • High melting and boiling points
    Melting Point

    3800 K (3526.85 °C, 6380.33 °F)

    Boiling Point

    4300 K (4026.85 °C, 7280.33 °F)

    Density

    2.267 g/cm³

    Electronegativity

    2.55 (Pauling scale)

    Chemical Properties

    • Forms four covalent bonds in most compounds
    • Can form single, double, and triple bonds
    • Ability to form long chains (catenation)
    • Relatively unreactive at room temperature

    Electron Configuration

    1s² 2s² 2p²

    Electron configuration describes how electrons are distributed in atomic orbitals, showing how they are arranged in energy levels and subshells.