Carbon (C): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Carbon (C): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [He] 2s2 2p2 · group 14 · period 2 · Ar 12.011
Carbon data
- Atomic number
- 6
- Relative atomic mass
- 12.011
- Group
- 14
- Period
- 2
- Block
- p
- Category
- Nonmetal
- Electron configuration
- [He] 2s2 2p2
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p2
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 4 (K L)
- Valence electrons
- 4
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 2.55
- First ionisation energy
- 11.26 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 170 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 3550 °C
- Boiling point
- 3825 °C
- Density
- 2.267 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +4, +2, −4
- Discovered
- ancient times
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 4
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About carbon
Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a nonmetal in group 14, period 2, p-block. Carbon has been known and used since ancient times. Carbon is a solid at room temperature, melting at 3550 °C and boiling at 3825 °C.
Carbon electron configuration
The electron configuration of carbon is 1s2 2s2 2p2, or in short [He] 2s2 2p2. Its electrons occupy 2 shells: K = 2, L = 4. Carbon has 4 valence electrons in the L shell (2s2 2p2), which is why it sits in group 14.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p2(6)
Uses of carbon
The main uses of carbon include the backbone of all organic compounds; graphite for electrodes and battery anodes, activated carbon for adsorption, diamond for cutting tools, and steelmaking. For research and analysis you can browse carbon compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Solid carbon is fairly safe; the hazards are fine dust and carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 14
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of carbon?
The electron configuration of carbon (C, atomic number 6) is 1s2 2s2 2p2, or [He] 2s2 2p2 in short. By shell: 2, 4.
How many valence electrons does carbon have?
Carbon has 4 valence electrons.
Which group and period is carbon in?
Carbon is in group 14, period 2, p-block.
What is the atomic mass of carbon?
The relative atomic mass of carbon is 12.011. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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