Chemical database: 11. Carbon

Carbon (C) is a nonmetal black colored solid, with the atomic number 6. Its mass number equals 12.01. Density = 3.513 g/cm3 (diamond), 2.267 g/cm3 (graphite). Melting point = 3547°C (diamond), 3675°C (graphite). Boiling point = 4827°C (diamond), ? (graphite sublimes at 3727°C). Because of the stability of the bonds that carbon atoms form between themselves and other elements, there is a vast number of chemical compounds based on carbon - enough to form a entire branch of chemistry that is dedicated to these compounds (organic chemistry). Carbon is used in the extraction process of iron from iron ore, it is also added to iron during the production of steel. Carbon is also used as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors, and it commonly used in form coal for grilling. In form of activated carbon, it is useful in medicine (for the absorption of toxins). In form of diamonds, this element is also used for cutting and grinding in various industrial processes, and is also used in the production of jewelry. The graphite form of carbon is used in the production of pencils, electrodes, etc.

Carbon can be obtained from various places, in various forms. Most usual stores sell coal for grilling, which can be simply powdered if necessary. Carbon can also be bought in drugstores/pharmacies in form of activated carbon. in form of graphite, it can be bought in bookstores in form of graphite sticks. It can also be found in stores that sell welding equipment in form of graphite electrodes, which often have a thin layer of copper on them. Fortunately, the copper can be easily removed.