Atomic Number
6
Element 6
Carbon (C)
Carbon is a chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. It is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds.
Atomic Mass
12.011 u
Category
Nonmetal
Period
2
Group
Group 14: carbon group
Phase
solid
Density
2.267 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 4
Atomic Structure
Protons: 6. Electrons: 6. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p²
Why Carbon Matters
Carbon helps connect atomic number 6, nonmetal behavior, period 2 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 12.011 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p² make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Carbon was discovered Unknown. Carbon is a chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. It is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds.
Safety and Handling Context
Carbon is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Carbon?
- Carbon has atomic number 6, which means a neutral atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Carbon?
- The chemical symbol for Carbon is C.
- What category is Carbon in?
- Carbon is classified as a nonmetal and sits in period 2 of the periodic table.
Explore Carbon in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Carbon to neighboring elements without losing your place.