Although the experiments have materials and procedures listed below they are meant to be used as scientific inquiry for students and teachers. A. Background Information Carbon is the basis for all life on earth due to its versatile bonding configurations. It is a nonmetal with an atomic number of six and an atomic mass of approximately 12. Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell and forms covalent bonds. Carbon is quite inert at ordinary temperatures, but it combines with oxygen at moderate temperatures making it an important reducing agent for metallic oxides.
Carbon exists as a free mineral in graphite and diamond.
The formation of coal involves an enrichment in carbon by the loss of volatile substances. Petroleum and natural gas are also fossil fuels called hydrocarbons which contain carbon . Hydrocarbons and their derivatives form the basis of organic chemistry. The element carbon is also found in carbonate rock. Carbon is found in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide where it plays an important role in maintaining the earth's radiant equilibrium.