Organic Carbon Essay, Research Paper
I.Introduction A.The History of CarbonII.Occurrences in Nature A.Diamond B.Graphite C.Coal and Charcoal D.Amorphous CarbonIII.Carbon Compounds A.Inorganic B.OrganicIV.The Carbon CycleIV.ConclusionCarbon, an element discovered before history itself, is one of themost abundant elements in the universe. It can be found in the sun, thestars, comets, and the atmospheres of most planets. There are close to tenmillion known carbon compounds, many thousands of which are vital to thebasis of life itself (WWW 1). Carbon occurs in many forms in nature. One of its purest forms isdiamond. Diamond is the hardest substance known on earth. Althoughdiamonds found in nature are colorless and transparent, when combined withother elements its color can range from pastels to black. Diamond is apoor conductor of heat and electricity. Until 1955 the only sources ofdiamond were found in deposits of volcanic origin. Since then scientistshave found ways to make diamond from graphite and other syntheticmaterials. Diamonds of true gem quality are not made in this way (Beggott3-4). Graphite is another form of carbon. It occurs as a mineral innature, but it can be made artificially from amorphous carbon. One of themain uses for graphite is for its lubricating qualities. Another is forthe “lead” in pencils. Graphite is used as a heat resistant material andan electricity conductor. It is also used in nuclear reactors as alubricator (Kinoshita 119-127). Amorphous carbon is a deep black powder that occurs in nature as acomponent of coal. It may be obtained artificially from almost any organicsubstance by heating the substance to very high temperatures without air. Using this method, coke is produced from coal, and charcoal is producedfrom wood. Amorphous carbon is the most reactive form of carbon. Becauseamorphous carbon burns easily in air, it is used as a combustion fuel. Themost important uses for amorphous carbon are as a filler for rubber and asa black pigment in paint (WWW 2). There are two kinds of carbon compounds. The first is inorganic. Inorganic compounds are binary compounds of carbon with metals or metalcarbides. They have properties ranging from reactive and saltlike; foundin metals such as sodium, magnesium, and aluminum, to an unreactive andmetallic, such as titanium and niobium (Beggott 4). Carbon compounds containing nonmetals are usually gases or liquidswith low boiling points. Carbon monoxide, a gas, is odorless, colorless,and tasteless. It forms during the incomplete combustion of carbon(Kinoshita 215-223). It is highly toxic to animals because it inhibits thetransport of oxygen in the blood by hemoglobin (WWW 2). Carbon dioxide isa colorless, almost odorless gas that is formed by the combustion ofcarbon. It is a product that results from respiration in most livingorganisms and is used by plants as a source of carbon. Frozen carbondioxide, known as dry ice, is used as a refrigerant. Fluorocarbons, suchas Freon, are used as refrigerants (Kinoshita 225-226). Organic compounds are those compounds that occur in nature. Thesimplest organic compounds consist of only carbon and hydrogen, thehydrocarbons. The state of matter for organic compounds depends on howmany carbons are contained in it. If a compound has up to four carbons it
is a gas, if it has up to 20 carbons it is a liquid, and if it has morethan 20 carbons it is a solid (Kinoshita 230-237). The carbon cycle is the system of biological and chemical processesthat make carbon available to living things for use in tissue building andenergy release (Kinoshita 242). All living cells are composed of proteinsconsisting of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen in variouscombinations, and each living organism puts these elements togetheraccording to its own genetic code. To do this the organism must have theseavailable in special compounds built around carbon. These specialcompounds are produced only by plants, by the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process in which chlorophyll traps and uses energy fromthe sun in the form of light. Six molecules of carbon dioxide combine withsix molecules of water to form one molecule of glucose (sugar). Theglucose molecule consists of six atoms of carbon, twelve of hydrogen, andsix of oxygen. Six oxygen molecules, consisting of two oxygen atoms each,are also produced and are discharged into the atmosphere unless the plantneeds energy to live. In that case, the oxygen combines with the glucoseimmediately, releasing six molecules of carbon dioxide and six of water foreach molecule of glucose (Beggott 25-32). The carbon cycle is thencompleted as the plant obtains the energy that was stored by the glucose. The length of time required to complete the cycle varies. In plantswithout an immediate need for energy, the chemical processes continue in avariety of ways. By reducing the hydrogen and oxygen content of most ofthe sugar molecules by one water molecule and combining them to form largemolecules, plants produce substances such as starch, inulin , and fatsand store them for future use. Regardless of whether the stored food isused later by the plant or consumed by some other organism, the moleculeswill ultimately be digested and oxidized, and carbon dioxide and water willbe discharged. Other molecules of sugar undergo a series of chemicalchanges and are finally combined with nitrogen compounds to form proteinsubstances, which are then used to build tissues (WWW 2). Although protein substances may pass from organism to organism,eventually these too are oxidized and form carbon dioxide and water ascells wear out and are broken down, or as the organisms die. In eithercase, a new set of organisms, ranging from fungi to the large scavengers,use the waste products or tissues for food, digesting and oxidizing thesubstances for energy release (WWW 1). At various times in the Earth’s history, some plant and animaltissues have been protected by erosion and sedimentation from the naturalagents of decomposition and converted into substances such as peat,lignite, petroleum, and coal. The carbon cycle, temporarily interrupted inthis manner, is completed as fuels are burned, and carbon dioxide and waterare again added to the atmosphere for reuse by living things, and the solarenergy stored by photosynthesis ages ago is released (Kinoshita 273-275). Almost everything around us today has some connection with carbonor a carbon compound. Carbon is in every living organism. Without carbonlife would not exist as we know it.
437
1.Beggott, Jim Great Balls of Carbon New Scientist, July 6, 19912.Kinoshita, Kim Carbon Compounds Random, New York 119-27519873.WWW Carbon usc.edu/chem/carbon.html 19954.WWW Carbon Compounds harvard.edu/depts/chem/carbon.html1995
Другие работы по теме:
The Preparation Of Organic Compounds
– Aspirins And Oil Of Wintergreen Essay, Research Paper Title of Experiment: The Preparation of Organic Compounds – Aspirins and Oil of Wintergreen Introduction
Discussion On Organic Compounds Essay Research Paper
Organic compounds are the basis of life on earth. The purpose of this discussion is research the importance of these compounds that make up life on earth. A wide variety of classes of substances, such as drugs, vitamins, plastics, natural and synthetic fibers, as well as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, consist of organic molecules.
Lipids Essay Research Paper LIPIDSThe subject I
Lipids Essay, Research Paper LIPIDS The subject I will cover is lipids. I will tell you about the description of it s organic compound. I will tell you where it is found. I will tell you what the uses are in plants and animals. I will also tell you about it s chemical structure and give examples of types of these compounds, such as cholesterol.
Plants Toward Sun Essay Research Paper Have
Plants Toward Sun Essay, Research Paper Have you ever wondered why your plants in your house and outside lean towards the sun. In my project I hope to answer why this happens. I am going to be using lima beans to do this with. The Greek philosopher Aristotle may have been the first to attempt to explain the processes of photosynthesis and food production.
Biosphere Essay Research Paper Definition of the
Biosphere Essay, Research Paper Definition of the Environment The environment consists of four overlapping components, which play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. The four components are the Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere each works hand in hand with each other, without one of these components this would upset the delicate balance of the environment.
Common Ground Essay Research Paper In the
Common Ground Essay, Research Paper In the video, Common Ground, several ways of alternative organic farming are discussed. Although the tape is somewhat outdated, it still is effective in showing what changes have been made in farming and the issues concerning farmers and the environment. The main objective of the video is showing the process of coming together and meeting in the middle between the farmer and environmentalist, just as it is titled, Common Ground.
Important Chemical Elements Essay Research Paper I
Important Chemical Elements Essay, Research Paper I believe that the three most important elements that exist are nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. Nitrogen is extremely valuable because it is such a large part of the food web. Carbon is important because it is also part of the food web due to the fact that it plays such an important role in the structure of all living things and many nonliving things.
Bonding And Elements Essay Research Paper Element
Bonding And Elements Essay, Research Paper Element ? a substance which cannot be broken down into two or more substances by any means. Only contains one type of atom. Compound ? a substance in which atoms of two or
What Are Proteins Essay Research Paper Proteins
What Are Proteins Essay, Research Paper Proteins are a unique compound which contain certain atoms in a one of a kind structure. To start proteins are the building blocks that make animal tissue. Next, proteins are in the organic compound group. This means that a protein compound contains carbon as one of its base atoms.
Methane Essay Research Paper Methane
Methane Essay, Research Paper Methane by Pamela The molecule, methane, is made up of one carbon and four hydrogen atoms making the compound CH4. It is the second most important greenhouse gas. One molecule of methane is twenty times more efficient at absorbing infrared radiation than a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Oxygen And Carbon Dioxide Essay Research Paper
OXYGEN (O)Oxygen was discovered by a British chemist, Joseph Priestly in 1774, and independantly by Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Sweedish chemist. Oxygen has many uses – it is used in welding torches, to assist in hospital patient’s breathing and in metal fabrication industries. Oxygen is also used for defense purposes as a propellant for guided misiles and rocketsCARBON DIOXIDE (CO2).Carbon dioxide was named ‘fixed air’ by a Scottish chemist, Joseph Black.
Lfes Far Flung Raw Materials Essay Research
Paper Christopher Chyba has the leading idea that these space particles did in fact bring in the planet’s water and atmospheric gases. These space organisms are thought to be responsible for making our earth habitable by bringing in water and gas molecules which would provide our atmosphere and oceans. Also, that the space debris was needed to build life and could have even started the first cellular processes.
Carbon
– The King Of Elements Essay, Research Paper When you look at the periodic table, you see a lot of letters, some numbers, different colors, and areas divided into rows and sections. There is one element on the periodic
Carbohydrates Essay Research Paper There are three
Carbohydrates Essay, Research Paper There are three principal kinds of carbohydrates and each are classified according to the number of sugar molecules they contain. Monosaccharides, such as ribose, glucose, and fructose, contain only one sugar molecule. Disaccharides consist of two sugar molecules linked covalently.
Ertwr Essay Research Paper Oxygenpoor blood from
Ertwr Essay, Research Paper Oxygen-poor blood from the body flows down through the RIGHT ATRIUM to fill the RIGHT VENTRICLE which pumps the blood out through the PULMONARY ARTERY to the lungs.
Bicarbonate A Good Buffer For Blood Essay
, Research Paper Bicarbonate: A good buffer for blood Most carbon dioxide generated during metabolism is transported in the form of bicarbonate ions, which result from the dissociation of carbonic acid formed in the red blood cells from the chemical union of carbon dioxide and water. Hydrogen ions from the dissociation are bound to hemoglobin and other proteins, serving to buffer the blood.
Soil And Fertilization Essay Research Paper Soil
Soil And Fertilization Essay, Research Paper Soil and Fertilization Soil is the superficial covering of most of the earth s land area. This soil is made up of minerals and organic particles produced by organic decay. The main components of soil are undissolved inorganic compounds, soluble nutrients, organic matter, water, and gases.
Algae And Bacteria In Pools And Hot
Tubs Essay, Research Paper Algae and Bacteria in Pools and Hot Tubs This report is about the effects of bacteria and algae in swimming pools and hot tubs. It will also explain how to control and, problems if you do not control it. And also what problems can occur if too many chemicals are used.
Carbon Dioxide Essay Research Paper Carbon DioxideRespiratory
Carbon Dioxide Essay, Research Paper Carbon Dioxide Respiratory gases-oxygen and carbon dioxide moves between air and blood in the lungs. The structure of the human lung provides immense internal surface that facilitates gas exchange between the alveoli and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.
Carbon Dioxide Essay Research Paper Carbon is
Carbon Dioxide Essay, Research Paper Carbon is the basis for all life on earth. This essay will explain the role of carbon dioxide in v arious parts of the carbon cycle. This essay will examin three main, and
Carbon Dioxide Essay Research Paper CARBON DIOXIDECarbon
Carbon Dioxide Essay, Research Paper CARBON DIOXIDE Carbon dioxide is a gas comprising less than 0.04 % of the atmosphere.It is used by plants to make, directly or indirectly, all of the food that we eat.Increases in the concentration of carbon dioxide generally increase the growthrate of plants and decrease their water use.
Fossil Fuels Essay Research Paper We get
Fossil Fuels Essay, Research Paper We get energy from sunlight, wind, nuclear plants, and damns However, most of the energy that we use comes from fossil fuels. There are three major fossil fuels: Coal, oil and natural gas. These are composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Carbon is the major element in fossil fuels.
Cellular Respiration Essay Research Paper Cellular respiration
Cellular Respiration Essay, Research Paper Cellular respiration begins with glucose. Glucose is the primary fuel used in glycolysis, the first stage of cellular respiration. This molecule is found in the gel-like substance called cytoplasm that fills the cell. In glycolysis, glucose undergoes phosphorylation by ATP.
Organic Chemistry Essay Research Paper Organic compounds
Organic Chemistry Essay, Research Paper Organic compounds are all different but they all share a similar characteristic. To start all organic compounds have carbon in their formulas; this is the main characteristic all organic compounds share. Next, some organic compounds are made up with a single covalent bond.
Is Carbon Dating Accurate Essay Research Paper
Is carbon dating accurate? Carbon dating, used since 1948, is currently the main method of testing artifacts for age. My objective through this essay is to disprove the accuracy of the Carbon 14 dating method.
Dna Structure Essay Research Paper DNA Structure
Dna Structure Essay, Research Paper DNA Structure DNA is a double stranded molecule twisted into a helix. Each spiraling strand is comprised of a sugar phosphate backbone and attached bases connected to a complimentary strand. The complimentary strand is connected by non-covalent hydrogen bonding between paired bases.
Organic Chemistry Essay Research Paper Chemistry has
Organic Chemistry Essay, Research Paper Chemistry has been called the science of what things are. Its intent is the exploration of the nature of the materials that fabricate our physical environment, why they hold the different properties that depict them, how their atomic structure may be fathomed, and how they may be manipulated and changed.