Question

Where is carbon found?

Answer 1

Carbon is a non-metallic element with the atomic number 6. It is found in the atmosphere and in the earth’s crust in the form of deposits. There is a large amount of carbon present on the earth and it is equal to 65,500 GtC (Giga-tonne of carbon).

Complete step by step answer:
- Carbon is the element of group 14 and period 2 and it is one of the most important elements. Without carbon, the existence of life is impossible because not of the organic substances are made from it. It is the primary element in most compounds like carbon dioxide that is used by plants.
- Carbon is a chemical element that is the most common, having the symbol C with atomic number 6.
- In the crust of Earth it is the fifteenth most abundant element and overall the fourth most abundant element after helium, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Oceans, biosphere, and soil are the main sources from which we can get carbon.
- In the atmosphere, the only form of carbon is carbon dioxide, but the amount is very less.
- Commercially we get carbon in the form of coal because coal contains a high amount of carbon and it is formed under the earth surface, but the coal is purified for commercial use.
- We know about the allotropes, in which the same element is combined in different forms that gives it different structures. The best-known allotropes of carbon are graphite, amorphous carbon, and diamond.
- The naturally occurring isotopes of carbon are 12C, 13C (stable), and 14C (radioactive).

Note: Our body also contains carbon in the cells, and there is a specific category in the chemistry known as organic chemistry that is the study of carbon elements. Most beautiful form of carbon is diamond.