Importance Of Elements from The Periodic Table There are hundreds of elements in the periodic table which are vital to our planet, technology, human bodies, plants and many more. But did you know there is 1 specific element in the entire universe which is very vital for the survival of mankind. The element is Carbon. Image taken from Britannica You may have heard about it somewhere. But did you know how carbon was discovered? Naming Of Carbon The name "carbon" is derived from the Latin word carbo meaning "charcoal." Lavoisier is credited with formalizing the element's name in 1789, marking a significant point in its scientific recognition. Early Uses In the prehistoric times the element carbon was known for thousands of years but primarily known for charcoal, coal and soot. Soot is black powder that comes from burning things and collects in chimneys. Ancient civilizations used these substances to create art and for burning objects. In China, the earliest known use of diamonds (complex molecules of carbon) dated back to 2500 BCE. The elemental nature was not understood at that time. The Scientific Recognition of Carbon ● 1722: The French scientist Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur proposed that carbon was a distinct element while studying the transformation of iron into steel. ● 1772: Antoine Lavoisier conducted experiments that helped establish carbon as an element. He demonstrated that diamond and charcoal burned to produce carbon dioxide, thus proving they were forms of the same element. ● 1779: Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele confirmed that graphite also burned to form carbon dioxide, this confirmation helped in supporting the idea that it was another form of carbon. ● 1796: English chemist Smithson Tennant established that diamond was pure carbon and not a compound. He showed that burning equal weights of charcoal and diamonds produced the same amount of carbon dioxide. ● 1797: Tennant, along with his assistant William Hyde Wollaston, provided further evidence of the elemental nature of carbon by demonstrating that different forms of carbon (soot, graphite, diamond) were all variations of the same element. How has Carbon Contributed to Modern Science and Modern Society Role in Chemistry and Physics ● Organic Chemistry: Carbon is the backbone of organic chemistry, forming the basis for a vast array of compounds, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and polymers. Its tetravalent nature allows it to form stable covalent bonds with other elements, leading to complex molecular structures essential for life. ● Allotropes: Allotropy is the property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms, in the same physical state, known as allotropes of the elements The discovery of different allotropes of carbon, such as graphite, diamond, and fullerenes, has expanded our understanding of material science. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms has amazing electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, making it a subject of in nanotechnology Role in Biology ● Biochemical Compounds: Carbon makes up 18% of our entire human body. Carbon is integral to the structure of biomolecules, including proteins, DNA and RNA and carbohydrates. This makes it important for all living organisms. ● Carbon Cycle: Understanding the carbon cycle is crucial for studying ecosystems and addressing climate change. Carbon compounds regulate Earth's temperature and are involved in processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, which are important for sustaining life. Everyday Life ● Fuels: Carbon-based fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are primary energy sources for heating, electricity generation, and transportation. Their combustion releases energy, but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. ● Materials: Carbon is used in various materials, including plastics and carbon fiber composites, which are lightweight yet strong, making them ideal for aerospace and automotive applications. Technology ● Electronics: Carbon nanotubes and graphene are being explored for use in advanced electronic devices due to their exceptional conductivity and strength. ● Nanotechnology: Carbon-based nanomaterials are utilized in drug delivery systems, improving the efficacy of treatments by targeting specific cells or tissues. Medicine ● Medical Imaging: Carbon isotopes, particularly carbon-11, are used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans which help in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as cancer. Impact of Carbon Ecosystem Disruption Climate change driven by carbon emissions is altering natural habitats, leading to the displacement or extinction of many species. Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, threatens marine ecosystems. Land-use changes, such as deforestation for agriculture, can reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem services. Air and Water Pollution Carbon-based fuels, when burned, release various pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants contribute to acid rain, and respiratory health issues. Improper disposal of carbon-based products, such as plastics, can lead to water pollution and the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. Health Air pollution from carbon-based fuel combustion can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and premature deaths. Ethical Considerations The use of carbon-based fuels and the resulting environmental damage raise ethical questions about intergenerational justice, as the impacts of climate change will affect future generations. There are concerns about the distribution of the costs and benefits associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy. In Conclusion Carbon is an essential element that plays a critical role in scientific advancements, practical applications, and the functioning of life. Even though Carbon contributes to energy, materials, and biology which are invaluable, the environmental and societal challenges related to it require urgent attention. Transitioning to sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions are crucial steps toward mitigating climate change and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. Citations 1. “What Is the Definition of Allotropes?” Byjus.com, byjus.com/question-answer/what-is-the-definition-of-allotropes/. 2. “History of Carbon.” Www.tf.uni-Kiel.de, www.tf.uni-kiel.de/matwis/amat/iss/kap_4/advanced/t4_2_1.html. http://science.marshall.edu/castella/chm448/elements2.pdf 3. “Carbon | History, Uses, Facts, Physical & Chemical Characteristics.” Periodic Table, 19 Oct. 2018, periodic-table.com/carbon/. 4. Osmanski, Stephanie. “How Do Carbon Emissions Affect the Environment?” Green Matters, 30 Mar. 2020, www.greenmatters.com/p/how-do-carbon-emissions-affect-environm ent. 5. “Environmental Impacts.” Circular Ecology, circularecology.com/environmental-impacts.html. 6. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Carbon Cycle.” Www.noaa.gov, 1 Feb. 2019, www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate/carbon-cycle. 7. “Carbon | History, Uses, Facts, Physical & Chemical Characteristics.” Periodic Table, 19 Oct. 2018, periodic-table.com/carbon/. 8. “History of Carbon.” Www.tf.uni-Kiel.de, www.tf.uni-kiel.de/matwis/amat/iss/kap_4/advanced/t4_2_1.html. Word Count- 821 (Excluding Titles, Diagram, Citations and Headings)
