Embedded Files
Carbon is the most abundant non-gas element in the universe. Carbon-12 is the most abundant isotope of Carbon.
Carbon is the most abundant non-gas element in the universe. Carbon-12 is the most abundant isotope of Carbon.
While the universe is made primarily of the gases Hydrogen and Helium, Carbon is the most abundant element that exists as a solid at STP. As far as we know, all discovered life is Carbon-based and most of the molecules present in living organisms contain a substantial amount of Carbon atoms. All Carbon atoms have 6 protons in the nucleus. Carbon can have different configurations of electrons and neutrons. Carbon atoms that have different numbers of neutrons are known as isotopes.
Carbon atoms come in 3 flavors: ¹²C,¹³C,¹⁴C. Each # indicates its atomic mass.
Carbon atoms come in 3 flavors: ¹²C,¹³C,¹⁴C. Each # indicates its atomic mass.
All Carbon atoms must have 6 protons in their nucleus. If a Carbon atom loses or gains protons through fission or fusion, it no longer continues to exhibit the same behavior and is no longer Carbon. Carbon ALWAYS has 6 protons.
While the protons must be static, the neutron count can be variable and results in different isotopes. The Carbon-12 isotope has 6 neutrons, the Carbon-13 isotope has 7 neutrons, and the Carbon-14 isotope has 8 neutrons. Carbon-12 and Carbon-13 are stable, while Carbon-14 will undergo nuclear decay rapidly.
3 Flavors of Carbon: Reg, Thicc, Nuclear
Carbon-12 is so common, it is the basis of the AMU (Atomic Mass Unit)
Carbon-12 is so common, it is the basis of the AMU (Atomic Mass Unit)
The calorie is the amount of energy needed to heat 1 gram of water by 1 C. The gram is the mass of 1 cubic centimeter of water at STP conditions. The meter is 1/10,000,000 of the distance between the poles. All of our measurements must have a basis from which to monitor or gauge standards. By definition, the AMU (Atomic Mass Unit) is 1/12 of a Carbon-12. All of the other elements by which we measure mass are defined by the AMU, and thus, are measured based on the mass of Carbon-12.
Carbon-14 is unstable and breaks down quickly. Carbon-13 is less stable than Carbon-12, so most of the Carbon in the universe is the 12 isotope.
Carbon-14 is unstable and breaks down quickly. Carbon-13 is less stable than Carbon-12, so most of the Carbon in the universe is the 12 isotope.
The average atomic mass of Carbon is 12.011. This is a weighted average of all of the isotopes of Carbon and their relative abundance in the universe.
Abundance * Mass + Abundance * Mass + Abundance * Mass = Average Atomic Mass
0.9889 * 12 + 0.01109 * 13 + 0.0000000000001 * 14 = 12.011
Carbon atoms can be configured in multiple patterns to form different structures with very different macroscopic properties all made entirely of Carbon. These are known as allotropes. Statistically, all of these allotropes would have the same ratio of isotopes present in their structures: 98.89% ¹²C & 1.109% ¹³C.
The use of Carbon has been evident throughout human history. We extracted energy-rich charcoal from the earth to power the industrial revolution, we used graphite to relate information for centuries, and we have spent millenia in the envy of shiny gemstones made out of Carbon isotopes.
The future for Carbon is bright. New tech in Carbon is always unfolding; maybe you can invent the next big Carbon allotrope!
The future for Carbon is bright. New tech in Carbon is always unfolding; maybe you can invent the next big Carbon allotrope!
Carbon nanotubes have been implemented in some NASA projects and many biotech companies are investing in future technology including carbon nanotubes. Graphene has been used in battery technology that might change the way we use our devices entirely. All of these advancements are a result of new discoveries and tested applications. You could be the next post-doc grad student that gets to name the "Buckyball 20xx"
When Carbon mixes with other molecules, it forms organic bonds. Organic Chemistry is the discipline of chemistry that involves all structures that include Carbon.
Carbon = Organic
Since Carbon is the defining element of Organic chemistry, it gets special rules
Since Carbon is the defining element of Organic chemistry, it gets special rules
Carbon is so ubiquitous in chemical structures, it is often omitted from the Lewis Dot model. As an example, Benzene is a common 6 carbon structure represented in Organic chemistry. While all of the models shown here are the same molecule, (2) and (3) represent each Carbon as a corner of the hexagonal structure. This can be seen in some of the vital monomers that are responsible for life.
Carbohydrates are built on Carbon
Amino acids are built on Carbon
Lipids are built on Carbon
Nucleotides are built on Carbon
Any carbon containing compound is known as organic. Almost all of the compounds in our bodies have some fractional amount of Carbon in their structure. By mass, our bodies are 18% Carbon by volume (only surpassed by the Oxygen from our water mass).
This pattern of Carbon incorporation into the biomass has been consistent for all of life's history. Living tissue is made of carbon thus fossils and other remnants left behind are also rich in Carbon-12 isotopes. The ratio of Carbon isotopes found in a fossil is one method of determing its age. This is found through a process known as Carbon Dating.
Through an extensive process of collection, scientists are able to determine the extremely tiny amounts of different carbon isotopes in a sample. This process includes treating the sample with various acids at various temperatures and then the formation of carcinogenic compounds and extensive computer analysis. This process ensures the accuracy needed to correctly calibrate extremely tiny concentrations.
Why would we need to know these small values? Carbon-14 atoms, while extremely tiny in concentration, are incredibly consistent. They have existed in the same relative percentages as other Carbon isotopes for nearly as long as life itself. When a biological sample is new, it has a relatively standard composition of C-12/C-13/C-14. As it ages, some of the C-14 decomposes (reaction above) and that change in concentration can be used to determine its age.
Carbon-14 decays in a consistent time interval. We measure this decay in half-lives. The C-14 half-life is 5730 years old. After 1 half-life, only half of the original sample of C-14 will exist as Carbon.
Libby based radiocarbon dating on the idea that C-14 is constantly produced by the interaction of cosmic rays with atmospheric nitrogen. The resulting C-14 combines with atmospheric oxygen to form radioactive carbon dioxide, which is incorporated into plants by photosynthesis; animals then acquire 14 by eating the plants.
When the animal or plant dies, it stops exchanging carbon with its environment, and thereafter the amount of C-14 it contains begins to decrease as the isotope decays.
Carbon dating has been used to determine the age of thousands of fossils and artifacts and helps us date important landmarks in human and life's history.
When Carbon-dating doesn't work, the inorganic route is the only way to get the job done
When Carbon-dating doesn't work, the inorganic route is the only way to get the job done
Carbon dating applications are limited, but the same principals of nuclear decay occur within various other elements. Uranium-Lead decay can be used to determine ages hundreds of millions of years old.
Cobalt-60 has a relatively small half-life of 5.27 years and can help identify much more recent ages.
Potassium-Argon dating has been used to date meteorites as old as 4.5 billion years old to volcanic rocks as young as 20,000 years old.
The Earth is 4.543 billion years old because this graph says so.
Clair Patterson pioneered the field of Lead chemistry. His Lead-Lead dating method lead to calculation of Earth's age, 4.543 billion years.
After working with lead extensively, Dr. Patterson became aware of the health risks and advocated for the necessary precautions that we have since taken. His global campaign lead to the removal of lead from gasoline and other products and has spared countless lives.
Carbon-12 OC (10 points)
Carbon-12 OC (10 points)
Your Name's Nucleus: Make a copy of the Google Slide with your Elemental name tag. Using the nametag and the circle tool, create each nucleus of the elements in your first and last name. Sorry long namers!
(1 point) Your name in elements (at least 5 letters unless approved by instructor)
(2 points) Accurate P and N count for each element (numerals)
(2 points) Accurate P and N count for each element (spheres)
Your 12-(C)olleague Dating Sheet: Make a copy of the sheet here. Use this sheet to keep track on your group's Edge progress and keep them up to "date".
(1 point) Your self progress reported for at least 10 weeks
(1 point) Your groups progress reported for at least 10 weeks
(1 point) Your group's average calculated correctly (should auto compute if you don't break the formulas!)
(2 point) Tracking of an additional 7 peers for >10 weeks.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse