Carbon: An important element
Allotropy - some elements occur in nature more than one form. The chemical properties of these different forms are the same but their physical properties are different. This property of the elements is called allotropy. Allotropes of carbon : The element carbon is available abundantly in nature and occurs in free as well as in a combined state. 1. Symbol of carbon-C 2. Atomic number -6 3. Atomic mass -12 4. Electron configuration- 2,4 5. Valency -4 6. Non-metallic element Compounds obtained directly or indirectly from plants and animals are called organic compounds and compounds obtained from minerals are called inorgani uuc compounds. All the organic compounds contain carbon. Carbon is the main element even in cellular DNA and RNA that transfer hidden characteristics from one generation to the next. Occurrence of carbon - The name carbon is derived from the Latin word 'carbo' meaning coal. Carbon is found in nature in a free as well as compound state carbon in t