| Name: | Carbon |
| Symbol: | C |
| Atomic Number: | 6 |
Carbon is an element very widely-distributed throughout the stars, comets, and atmospheres of many planets. Carbon is unique among the elements in the vast number and variety of compounds it can form, and for being a building-block of organic life.
Carbon was formerly found in three forms: amorphous, graphite, and diamond. A fourth form, known as "white" carbon, now exists. Graphite is one of the softest known materials, while diamond is one of the hardest. Carbon, abundant in Earth's atmosphere, is also dissolved in all its natural waters. It is a component of massive rock masses of limestone, magnesium, and iron. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are chiefly hydrocarbons.
Linking with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and other carbon atoms, carbon forms a huge number of compounds, often vital to organic functionality and life support. Without carbon, the basis for life as we know it would be impossible.
Energy from stars can be attributed partially to the carbon-nitrogen cycle.
Carbon has seven isotopes. The Carbon-12 isotope is the basis for atomic weights. Carbon-14, a long-lived isotope, was widely used to date historical artifacts, before it could be done at the quantum level.
Carbon is used in the making of carbon steel.
References
- TOS: "The Omega Glory"
- VOY: "Storm Front"
- VOY: "The Devil in the Dark"