6 C 12.011

Carbon

Reactive Nonmetal

Carbon (C) is a chemical element with atomic number 6, classified as a reactive nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. It has been known since ancient times.

Properties

Atomic number
6
Atomic mass
12.011 u
Category
Reactive Nonmetal
Group
14
Period
2
Block
p-block
Electron configuration
[He] 2s² 2p²
Phase at STP
Solid
Density
2.267 g/cm³
Melting point
3823 K (3549.8 °C)
Boiling point
4098 K (3824.8 °C)
Electronegativity
2.55
Atomic radius
67 pm
Ionization energy
11.26 eV
Discovery
Known since ancient times

Common uses

Steel production, diamonds, organic compounds, life itself

Did you know?

Basis of all organic life and can form more compounds than any other element.