

One class of compounds which carbon forms, especially with itself, it a Covalent Network Solid (shown above). Diamond is one of the hardest materials on earth, while graphite is more soft due to its more complex electronic structure. They are some of the most durable materials on earth due to the fact that in order to melt them you need to break covalent bonds. Let's explore some of the compounds which carbon forms to carry out these vital processes.Ĭarbon can form some pretty interesting " Covalent Network Solids." Learn more about this topic in this post. It is also one of the key ingredients in molecular processes going on in your cells. Carbon's four valence electrons allow it to form a variety of bonds and compounds which exist in nature. The last of these is known to be radioactive. Indeed, carbon has three known isotopes: Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14. Source.Ĭarbon has an average mass of 12 amus which means that other isotopes. Still, the two orbitals which are closer together constitute the second energy level and are all considered to be valence electrons. The model shown to the left differentiates the electrons based off of whether they are in the s vs. Because Carbon only has four electrons, it can form up to four other bonds which tend to be covalent in nature.Ĭarbon is Element #6 on the periodic table and has an average mass of 12 amu. Answer: Carbon has four valence electrons located in its second energy level.
