1. Carbon is the basis for organic chemistry
| a.as it occursin all living organisms.
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2. Carbon is a nonmetal that can bond with itselfand many other chemical elements,
| b.or one of the softest (graphite).
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3. Elemental carboncan take the form of one of the hardest substances (diamond)
| c.though it was not produced in the Big Bang.
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4. Carbon is made in the interiors of stars,
| d.and has been known since prehistoric time.
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5.Carbon compounds have limitlessuses. In its elemental form, diamond is a gemstoneand used for drilling/cutting; graphite is used in pencils, as a lubricant, and to protect against rust;
| e.forming nearlyten million compounds.
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6. Carbon has the highest melting/sublimation point of the elements. The melting point of diamond is ~3550°C,
| f.hydrogen, helium, and oxygen are found in higher amounts, by mass.
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7. Pure carbonexists free in nature
| g.although inhalation of fine particles, such as soot, can damage lung tissue.
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8.The origin of the name 'carbon' comes from the Latin word carbo, for charcoal.
| h.The German and French words for charcoal are similar.
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9.Pure carbon is considered non-toxic,
| i.while charcoal is used to remove toxins, tastes, and odors.
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10.Carbon is the fourth most abundantelement in the universe
| j. with the sublimation point of carbon around 3800°C.
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