Carbon (C)

Definition

Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds.

Related terms

Organic Compounds: These are compounds that contain carbon. They are fundamental to life on earth and include things like proteins, fats, sugars, and DNA.

Carbon Cycle: This is the process by which carbon moves through our planet's atmosphere, oceans, ecosystem and geosphere in a continuous cycle.

Carbon Dating:

A method used by scientists to estimate the age of ancient artifacts and dinosaur bones. It works because certain types of carbon are radioactive.