Introduction to Carbon and Its Properties

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the element carbon, its properties, and its significance in biological systems.

What element is known for its versatility and is essential for living organisms?

Carbon.

What type of electrons are involved in the chemical interactions between atoms?

Valence electrons.

What is the outermost shell of an atom called?

Valence shell.

Which model illustrates electrons swirling around the nucleus?

Bohr model.

What element is located in the far left column of the periodic table?

Sodium.

How many valence electrons does sodium have?

One valence electron.

Why is sodium considered highly reactive?

It has one valence electron and wants to get rid of it.

What happens when sodium is thrown into water?

It creates an explosion.

What are the gases called that are inert and do not react?

Noble gases.

Which noble gas is at the top of its column and needs 2 valence electrons?

Helium.

What does chlorine need to become stable?

One more valence electron.

What do sodium and chlorine form when they combine?

Sodium chloride (table salt).

What is the Lewis dot structure for carbon?

It has 4 valence electrons.

What is the octet rule?

Atoms aim to fill their outermost shell with 8 electrons.

What allows carbon to form stable chains and rings?

Its 4 valence electrons.

What are the four main organic compounds containing carbon in living organisms?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Why is carbon referred to as the 'master Lego piece'?

It can connect with many different structures.

What is formed when carbon is subjected to high heat and pressure?

Diamond.

Why is carbon crucial for the diversity of life?

It can form many different structures and compounds.

What is graphite primarily composed of?

Carbon.

Why is carbon considered versatile?

Due to its ability to form various stable compounds and structures.

What must organisms have to exist?

Carbon.

How does carbon contribute to the stability of compounds?

By forming covalent bonds with itself or other atoms to achieve 8 electrons.

How does sodium behave compared to noble gases?

Sodium is unstable and reactive, while noble gases are stable and unreactive.

What happens to sodium's charge when it donates an electron to chlorine?

Sodium becomes positively charged.

What characterizes elements on the left side of the periodic table?

They tend to have fewer valence electrons, making them more reactive.

What happens when two carbon atoms bond together?

They fill their outer shells, achieving stability.