The Carbon Atom

Carbon is one of the most important elements on Earth. Every living thing is made of carbon. You, your pet, and every tree are full of carbon atoms. Carbon can join up with other atoms in many ways. That is why it is found in so many things.

Carbon in Life

All plants and animals are made mostly of carbon, along with water. Carbon atoms can link together to make long chains or rings. These shapes are the building blocks of life. Food, wood, and even your bones contain lots of carbon. Scientists call life on Earth 'carbon-based life.'

A chart showing how carbon changes under heat and pressure.
A chart showing how carbon changes under heat and pressure. (Keresluna / Wikimedia Commons)

Many Forms of Carbon

Pure carbon can look very different depending on how its atoms are arranged. Diamond is the hardest natural material, and it is pure carbon. Graphite, the stuff inside pencils, is also pure carbon but very soft. Coal and charcoal are mostly carbon too. All of these are the same element in different shapes.

Fun Facts

  • About 18 percent of your body is made of carbon.
  • Diamonds and pencil lead are both made of pure carbon.
  • Carbon is the fourth most common element in the universe.

Did You Know?

Tiny tubes made of carbon, called nanotubes, are one of the strongest materials ever discovered.