Riddle #1 Element Answer

Answer: CARBON (C)!

It is the 15th most abundant element on Earth and is critical to our existence. For instance, it makes up 18% of human body (present in DNA, proteins, etc.) and comprises fossil fuels (used for electricity generation, fuels, plastics).

Why so special 😃 ❓ ❔ 

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, so it:

🔹can form bonds with 4 atoms simultaneously

🔹can form different covalent bonds, sharing 1, 2 or 3 pairs of electrons with another atom

🔹 when bonded to certain atoms, electrons in carbon may rearrange into slightly different positions (orbital hybridization)

Changing of "positions" of electrons in carbon. Adopted from ChemLibreTexts.

📉📈Therefore, carbon can create varying geometries: molecular chains (hydrocarbons) and rings, 2D and 3D structures.

Different structures that carbon can exist as. Resource: ResearchGate.

Carbon in Our Lives

Naturally occurring carbon: graphite✏️, diamond💎, amorphous carbon (charcoal) ⚫ .

Since about 1980-90, research into carbon materials accelerated ⬆️ . Current materials of interest – graphene, carbon nanotubes, etc. – are revolutionizing electronics📱, filtration systems🗑️ and sensors🩻, all due to carbon's unique bonding abilities.

🤴Interesting Fact

Carbon forms more varied chemical compounds than all the other elements combined, which is why it’s referred to as the “King of Elements”