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- Carbon is a non-metallic element, with a
- chemical symbol C, and an atomic number 6, it
- has a relative atomic mass of 12.011. It
- occurs on its own as diamond, graphite, and
- as fullerenes (the allotropes). Its
- atmospheric form is familiar as coal,
- charcoal, and soot. The atoms of carbon can
- link with one another in rings or chains,
- giving rise to innumerable complex compounds.
- Analysis of interstellar dust has led to the
- discovery of discrete carbon molecules, each
- containing 60 carbon atoms. The C60 molecules
- have been named buckminsterfullerenes. with
- concentrated acids and with hot concentrated
- sulphuric or nitric acids it forms carbon
- dioxide.
-
- Subject by: Russell Webb
-