What is the chemical symbol for carbon?
VerifiedAnswer: C
Explanation:
The chemical symbol for carbon is C. This simple, single-letter symbol represents one of the most fundamental elements in chemistry and is derived from the Latin word "carbo," which means charcoal or coal.
Carbon is located in Group 14 (also known as Group IV) of the periodic table and has an atomic number of 6. This means that every carbon atom contains exactly 6 protons in its nucleus. The element is incredibly important in both chemistry and biology because it forms the backbone of all organic compounds, making it essential for life as we know it.
The chemical symbol system was developed to create a universal language for scientists around the world. These symbols are standardized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), ensuring that scientists everywhere use the same notation. Carbon's symbol "C" is one of the original symbols that has remained unchanged since the early development of chemical nomenclature.
Some interesting facts about carbon include its ability to exist in multiple forms called allotropes, such as diamond, graphite, and fullerenes. Despite having the same chemical symbol "C," these forms have vastly different properties due to their different atomic arrangements.
