9.1. Properties of Carbon http://www.ck12.org
Lesson Summary
- Carbon is a nonmetal with four valence electrons. Each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds. Atoms of
carbon can bond with each other or with atoms of other elements. The bonds may be single, double, or triple
bonds. - Because of carbon’s ability to form so many covalent bonds, it often forms polymers. A polymer is a large
molecule that consists of many smaller molecules, called monomers. - Pure carbon can form different types of crystals. Crystalline forms of carbon include diamond, graphite, and
fullerenes.
Lesson Review Questions
Recall
- Describe the type of bonds that carbon forms.
- How many bonds does a single carbon atom form?
- What are polymers and monomers?
- Name three forms of pure carbon. How do they differ?
Apply Concepts
- A certain compound consists of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms. Each carbon atom is bonded with
one hydrogen atom and also with the other carbon atom. How many bonds do the two carbon atoms share?
Draw the structural formula for this compound.
Think Critically
- Explain why carbon is a component of most compounds.
- Relate the properties of graphite and diamond to the arrangement of their atoms.
Points to Consider
The carbon compounds represented inFigure9.2 andFigure9.3 contain only carbon and hydrogen. You will read
more about this type of carbon compound in the next lesson, "Hydrocarbons."
- What might be some general properties of compounds that consist only of carbon and hydrogen? (Hint: What
is methane used for?) - Do you know other examples of this type of compound?