What Do You Know About Carbon?

Explanation
The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. In the case of carbon, its atomic number is 6, indicating that it has 6 protons.

Explanation
The mass number of an atom is the sum of its protons and neutrons. Carbon has 6 protons, so to find the mass number, we need to determine the number of neutrons. The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01, so rounding to the nearest whole number gives us 12. Therefore, the correct answer is 12.

Explanation
Carbon is tetravalent because it has four valence electrons in its outermost energy level. This allows carbon to form stable covalent bonds with other atoms, sharing electrons to complete its octet. Carbon can form single, double, or triple bonds with other carbon atoms or different elements, resulting in a wide variety of organic compounds. Its ability to form multiple bonds and create complex molecular structures makes carbon the basis of life on Earth.

Explanation
The chemical symbol of carbon is C. Chemical symbols are used to represent elements in the periodic table, and C is the symbol specifically assigned to carbon. It is derived from the Latin word "carbo," meaning coal, which is one of the most common forms of carbon.

Explanation
A carbon atom has 6 electrons. Carbon has an atomic number of 6, which means it has 6 protons and 6 electrons in its neutral state. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. The number of electrons in an atom is equal to the number of protons, ensuring that the atom has a neutral charge. Therefore, the correct answer is 6.

Explanation
Carbon forms covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons, and carbon is known for its ability to form strong covalent bonds with other elements. In a covalent bond, carbon shares electrons with other atoms, allowing for the formation of stable compounds. This is why carbon is able to form a wide variety of compounds, including organic molecules essential for life.

Explanation
Diamond is the hardest substance on earth due to its unique crystal structure. It is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a strong and rigid lattice, which makes it extremely resistant to scratching or breaking. This hardness is measured on the Mohs scale, where diamond scores a perfect 10. In contrast, rocks, stones, and ice are not as hard as diamond and can be easily scratched or broken. Therefore, diamond is considered the hardest substance on earth.

Explanation
Carbon stands in the p block on the periodic table because it is a nonmetal and belongs to group 14. Elements in the p block have their valence electrons in the p orbital, and they exhibit a wide range of properties. Carbon is known for its ability to form covalent bonds and its importance in organic chemistry. Therefore, it is correctly placed in the p block of the periodic table.

Explanation
Carbon has three isotopes: carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their nucleus. Carbon-12 is the most abundant isotope, making up about 98.9% of all carbon atoms. Carbon-13 and carbon-14 are less common, with carbon-13 accounting for about 1.1% and carbon-14 being a rare radioactive isotope. Therefore, the correct answer is 3, as carbon has three isotopes.

Explanation
The correct answer is non-metallic because carbon is an element that is found in nature in various forms, such as graphite and diamond, which are both non-metallic. Carbon does not possess the typical characteristics of metals, such as being shiny, conducting electricity, or having high melting and boiling points. Additionally, carbon is not magnetic and does not rust, further supporting its non-metallic nature.