Carbon is the chemical element which is in the 4th group of a periodic system. There are two most studied allotropic modifications of carbon - graphite and diamond. The last is widely used in the industry and jewelry.
Carbon in the nature
Free carbon meets in the nature only in the form of diamond or graphite (isotopes the atomic mass of 12 or 13). In the atmosphere the scientists found isotope with the atomic mass equal 14. It is formed as a result of interaction of carbon with primary space radiation. Circulation of carbon in the nature happens to the help of carbon dioxide which is formed at fuel combustion (including a mineral), work of geysers and also in the course of activity of animals and plants.
Chemical properties of carbon
In a free state carbon meets much less often than in the form of various connections. The thing is that it is capable to form strong covalent communication with many chemical elements. It explains such big variety of hydrocarbons.
Carbon is capable to interact with the majority of chemical elements only at rather high temperature. At a low temperature the reaction is possible only with the strongest oxidizers to which fluorine belongs. Fluorine is the only halogen with which carbon can interact. It has a talk its low reactionary ability with similar substances. As a result of such interaction, carbon fluoride turns out. When burning carbon two types of its oxides can turn out: tetravalent (carbon dioxide) and bivalent. It depends on the number of moles of carbon. Bivalent carbon oxide has other name - carbon monoxide. It is poisonous and in large numbers is capable to kill the person. At very high temperature carbon is capable to interact with water vapor. As a result carbon dioxide (tetravalent oxide) and hydrogen turns out. Carbon has recovery properties. Coke (one of its allotropic modifications) is applied in metallurgy to receiving metals from their oxides. So receive, for example, zinc. At the exit of such reaction pure zinc and carbon dioxide is formed. Carbon is capable to neutralize sulfuric and nitric acid at rather high temperature.
Use of carbon
Graphite cores apply to management of chain nuclear reaction as they are capable to absorb neutrons well. Diamonds use for cutting and grinding of various products and also in jewelry. Activated carbon can absorb hazardous substances. It found application in medicine and military science (production of gas masks).