Carbon-+Michelle

**-Carbon- **
Carbon is the sixth most abundant element that has been known to exist in the universe and its uses are broad. Carbon is found inside stars and the sun, although it is not exactly made from outer space. Many scientists have found some of it in meteorites that land onto Earth as well. Carbon also has a lot of forms that makes it a very interesting element. Carbon is found in the periodic table of elements, its symbol is a C and its atomic number is a 6. It has a melting point of 3550°C and a boiling point of 3825 °C. It is classified as a non-metal and since carbon was known since ancient times, there was no one who discovered it. But, it was purposed by L.A Lavoisier in the middle of the 18th century. Carbon is used for a lot of purposes. Diamond, which is a type of form made from carbon, is used for jewelry. Diamond is a very hard substance, therefore used for cutting glass and polishing other gemstones. Graphite is also a type of form made out of carbon. Graphite is what we use in our pencils; it is also used for lubrications. Although carbon has a lot of purposes, it has some hazardous effects too.

Pure carbon is none-toxic but is dangerous when we inhale some particles such as soot. It could damage our lung tissues! Its soot can cause skin irritation and its dust can cause skin irritation to one’s body.

Carbon can bond with itself and other elements that can produce a lot of compounds. Carbon does not easily conduct heat or electricity and it does not reflect light, which is why it is classified as a non-metal.

Carbon is also found inside the human body, it is the 2nd most abundant before oxygen. It comes from Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids that are inside our bodies. We get them when we feed on organic organisms such as non-pesticide vegetables.

For more information, watch this video about Carbon: []