carbon

(kar′bŏn)

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[L. carbo, coal (dead or burning), charcoal]
SYMB: C The nonmetallic element that is the characteristic constituent of organic compounds, average atomic weight (mass) 12.0111, atomic number 6.
The isotope containing six protons and six neutrons (Carbon-12) is used as the basis for all atomic masses of all elements and by international agreement has a mass of 12.0000 amu (12.0000 g/mol). Carbon occurs in two pure forms, diamond and graphite, and in impure forms in charcoal, coke, and soot. Its compounds are constituents of all living tissue. Carbon combines with hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen to form the basis of all organic matter. Organic carbon compounds provide energy in foods.

CAS # 7440-44-0

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