Graphite combined with clays form
the 'lead' used in pencils.
Diamond is used for decorative
purposes, and also as drill bits.
Diamond is recognized as the hardest
substance on earth.
Carbon can be added to iron to make steel.
Carbon is used for control rods in
nuclear reactors.
Graphite carbon in a powdered, caked
form is used as charcoal for
cooking, artwork and other uses.
Charcoal pills are used in medicine
in pill or powder form to adsorb
toxins or poisons from the digestive
system.
Carbon makes up about 0.027 percent of
the Earth's crust. The element has also been found in the
Sun, in other stars, in comets, and in the atmosphere of
most planets. Some meteorites contain carbon in the form of
microscopic diamonds. Date
of Discovery: Known to the
ancients
Discovered by:
Unknown
Name Origin: From
the Latin carbo (coal)
Uses: steel,
filters
Obtained From:
burning with insufficient oxygen
Precautions: Carbon is
relatively safe. However, carbon may
catch fire at very high temperatures
and burn vigorously. |
