The two faces of carbon

Instructions

All life forms on Earth are based on carbon. Without this element, life as we know it would most likely be impossible.

What are the properties of carbon that make it essential for life?

We also depend on carbon in our daily activities. For instance, we need energy to drive, use electronic equipment, and cook. In the United States, most of this energy is produced from fossil fuels. To learn more, watch the following video: Formation of Fossil Fuels (2:25).

What is the link between fossil fuels and carbon?

Why are fossil fuels considered an unsustainable form of energy?

Name the compound produced by combustion of fossil fuels. What are the consequences of this compound on life?

What are the alternative sources of energy for fossil fuels? Are they also based on carbon?

Your completed journal assignment should be 350 to 450 words.

What are the properties of carbon that make it essential for life?

Carbon is very important in life. This is because it has various properties which makes it to be essential. However, one of the main properties that makes carbon very useful in life is its ability to bond with so many elements including itself. It has the ability to bond with oxygen, phosphorus, hydrogen, sulfur and nitrogen. This ability makes it possible for carbon to either form a single, double or triple covalent bonds with other atoms hence making it possible to make big and complicated molecules. These carbon biochemical compounds are very essential to all forms of life present on earth.

(534 words)