Carbon atom in 3D
The backbone of living molecules. Carbon forms the frameworks of many biological molecules. Diamond and graphite contain the same element in different arrangements. Explore the 3D model, inspect its parts and learn with guided explanations. Free on Atlas.
What you can learn
The backbone of living molecules. Carbon forms the frameworks of many biological molecules. Diamond and graphite contain the same element in different arrangements.
Identify carbon from its proton count.
Count the neutrons in Carbon-12.
Inspect the occupied electron shells.
Compare the valence shell with a neighbouring element.
Explain what changes when an electron is lost.
Diamond and graphite differ in bonding and structure, not in the number of protons in each carbon nucleus.
Try an investigation
Identify carbon from its proton count.
Check your understanding
What identifies an atom as carbon?
6 protons. Atomic number is proton count. Every carbon nucleus has 6 protons.
How many neutrons are in Carbon-12?
6. Neutrons = mass number − atomic number = 12 − 6 = 6. Mass number is not the average atomic weight of natural samples.
How many electrons are in a neutral carbon atom?
6. A neutral atom balances 6 positive protons with 6 negative electrons.
Which shell count describes neutral carbon in its ground state?
2, 4. [He] 2s² 2p² gives 2, 4 electrons across its occupied shells. Circular paths are only diagram guides.
If this atom loses one electron, what happens to its net charge?
It becomes +1. Losing one negative electron leaves one more proton than electrons. Its 6 protons still identify it as carbon.
What can this 3D shell model tell you reliably?
The particle counts for the selected neutral isotope. The counts represent a defined isotope and neutral atom. Particle sizes, spacing and circles are simplified teaching symbols.
Sources and model scope
An educational representation. The explorer identifies its data sources, scale choices and simplifications.