Question

eplain the properties of carbon

Answer 1

Answer:

Atomic number 6

Density 2.2 g.cm-3 at 20°C

Melting point 3652 °C

Boiling point 4827 °C

Vanderwaals radius 0.091 nm

Answer 2

Answer:

1) Atomic number: 6.

2) Electronic configuration: 2, 4.

3) Tetravalency: Carbon has a valency of four so it is capable of bonding with four other atoms of carbon

or atoms of some other mono-valent element.

4) Valency of carbon:

• To complete the octet, either carbon can gain for electrons or lose 4 electrons.

• But if carbon gains electrons, it would be difficult for nucleus to hold 4 extra electrons as carbon

atom is very small in size

• If carbon atom loses its electron, it would require large amount of energy to remove 4 electrons as

attraction force of nucleus is more in carbon atom.

• Thus, it is difficult for an atom of carbon to either gain or lose electrons.

(Carbon makes for covalent bonds and attains the noble gas configuration by sharing its valence

electrons.)

5) Self- combination (Catenation)

Due to small size of carbon, it has a unique ability to combine with other carbon atoms to form long

chains. This ability of carbon is known as Catenation.