10 Cool Facts...

that you probably didn't know about Carbon...

Clear Diamond (left) and Black Graphite (right) [Refer to Fact #5]

1. Carbon is the basis for organic chemistry.
2. Carbon is a nonmetal that can bond with itself and other chemical elements, forming nearly ten million compounds.
3. Elemental carbon can take the form of one of the hardest substances (diamond) and one of the softest (graphite).
4. Carbon is made in the interiors of stars.
5. Carbon compounds have limitless uses. In its elemental form, diamond is a gemstone that can be used for drilling/cutting; graphite is used in pencils, as a lubricant, and to protect against rust; while charcoal is used to remove toxins, tastes, and odors. 
6. Carbon has the highest melting/sublimation point of all elements. The melting point of diamond is ~3550°C, with the sublimation point of carbon being around 3800°C.
7. Pure carbon exists free in nature and has been known since prehistoric times.
8. The origin of the name 'carbon' comes from the Latin word carbo, for charcoal. 
9. Pure carbon is considered non-toxic, although inhalation of fine particles, such as soot, can damage lung tissue.
10. Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe (hydrogen, helium, and oxygen are found in higher amounts, by mass).

Questions:

1. Does Carbon occur in all living things?
2. What is the sublimation point of an element?
3. What are the elements found in higher amounts than Carbon in the universe?

References:

• Helmenstine, M., & Ph.D.. (n.d.). 10 Carbon Facts. Chemistry - Periodic Table, Chemistry Projects, and Chemistry Homework Help. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://chemistry.about.com/od/elementfacts/a/carbonfacts.htm

• File:Diamond-and-graphite-with-scale.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.).Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved July 6, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Diamond-and-graphite-with-scale.jpg