Read the 10 facts about carbon and match the 2 parts of each statement. Organic Chemistry
Life on earth depends on the chemical element carbon, which is present in every living thing. Carbon is so important, it forms the basis for two branches of chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry.
10 Carbon Facts The Chemical Basis for Life
1. Carbon is the basis for organic chemistry
2. Carbon is a nonmetal that can bond with itself and many other chemical elements,
3. Elemental carbon can take the form of one of the hardest substances (diamond)
4. Carbon is made in the interiors of stars,
5. 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;
6. Carbon has the highest melting/sublimation point of the elements. The melting point of diamond is ~3550°C,
7. Pure carbon exists free in nature
8. The origin of the name 'carbon' comes from the Latin word carbo, for charcoal.
9. Pure carbon is considered non-toxic,
10. Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe -
a as it occurs in all living organisms.
b or one of the softest (graphite). 48
c though it was not produced in the Big Bang.
d and has been known since prehistoric time.
e forming nearly ten million compounds.
f hydrogen, helium, and oxygen are found in higher amounts, by mass.
g although inhalation of fine particles, such as soot, can damage lung tissue.
h The German and French words for charcoal are similar.
i while charcoal is used to remove toxins, tastes, and odors.
j with the sublimation point of carbon around 3800°C.
