Carbon And Its Compounds: Class 10 CBSE : Carbon is one of the most versatile and essential elements in the universe. From life forms to fuels, plastics to medicines, carbon compounds touch every facet of our daily lives. This comprehensive guide for Class 10 CBSE explores carbon’s unique properties, its linkage with other elements, its compounds, and why understanding carbon is crucial for science students.
CLICK BELOW QUIZ OF CARBON
Table of Contents: Carbon And Its Compounds: Class 10 CBSE
- What is Carbon?
- Position and Significance in the Periodic Table
- Bonding in Carbon Atoms
- Allotropes of Carbon
- Classification of Carbon Compounds
- Functional Groups and Homologous Series
- Properties of Carbon Compounds
- Important Reactions: Substitution and Addition
- Applications in Daily Life
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Carbon?
Carbon (symbol C, atomic number 6) is a non-metal found in the second period of the periodic table. It is the backbone of organic chemistry due to its ability to form stable covalent bonds with various elements, including itself.
Position and Significance in the Periodic Table
Carbon is in Group 14. The outer electron configuration is 2,4, allowing it to form four covalent bonds. This property leads to immense versatility.
Table: Key Physical Properties of Carbon
| Property | Value or Description |
| Symbol | C |
| Atomic Number | 6 |
| Valency | 4 |
| Position (Group) | 14 |
| Non-metal/Metal | Non-metal |
| Forms Allotropes | Yes (Diamond, Graphite, etc.) |
Bonding in Carbon Atoms
Covalent Bonding
Carbon achieves stability by sharing electrons, forming covalent bonds. It can form single, double, or triple bonds—making chains, branches, and rings possible.
Visual Example of Carbon Bonding
Types of Bonds
- Single covalent bond (alkanes): Each carbon makes four single bonds.
- Double covalent bond (alkenes): One pair of carbons share two pairs of electrons.
- Triple covalent bond (alkynes): Two carbons share three pairs of electrons.
Allotropes of Carbon
H3 – Diamond, Graphite & Fullerenes
Carbon exists in several forms, called allotropes, differing by atomic arrangement:
Table: Major Allotropes of Carbon
| Allotrope | Structure | Properties | Uses |
| Diamond | Tetrahedral | Hardest natural substance, transparent, insulator | Cutting tools, jewellery |
| Graphite | Hexagonal | Soft, black, good conductor | Lubricants, electrodes |
| Fullerene | Spherical | Forms hollow spheres (C60) | Research, nanotech |
Classification of Carbon Compounds
Organic vs. Inorganic Compounds
- Organic Compounds: Mainly hydrogen and carbon (plus other elements—O, N, S, X).
- Inorganic Compounds: Simple compounds like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, etc.
List: Major Hydrocarbon Types
- Alkanes (CnH2n+2)
- Alkenes (CnH2n)
- Alkynes (CnH2n-2)
Functional Groups and Homologous Series
H4 – Functional Groups
Functional groups impart characteristic properties (e.g., alcohol, aldehyde, carboxylic acid). Example:
- Alcohol group: -OH
- Aldehyde group: -CHO
- Carboxylic acid group: -COOH
Homologous Series
Series of compounds with the same general formula and functional group, differing by CH2 units.
| Series | General Formula | Example | Characteristic Feature |
| Alkanes | CnH2n+2 | Methane | Single bonds, saturated |
| Alkenes | CnH2n | Ethene | Double bonds, unsaturated |
| Alkynes | CnH2n-2 | Ethyne | Triple bonds, unsaturated |
Properties of Carbon Compounds
Physical Properties
- Mostly gases/liquids with low boiling/melting points (except some solids like glucose).
Chemical Properties
- Combustion: All carbon compounds burn in air to produce CO₂ and water.
- Oxidation: Alcohols convert to acids.
- Addition Reaction: Unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes/alkynes) undergo addition.
- Substitution Reaction: Saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) undergo substitution.
Important Reactions: Substitution and Addition
Addition Reaction Example
Ethene reacts with hydrogen to form ethane:
Substitution Reaction Example
Methane reacts with chlorine (in sunlight):
Applications in Daily Life
- Fuels: LPG, CNG, petrol, coal—all are carbon compounds.
- Plastics: Polyethylene, PVC.
- Medicines: Aspirin, paracetamol, penicillin.
- Textiles: Synthetic fibers (nylon, rayon).
List: Everyday Carbon Compounds
- Sugar (Glucose)
- Alcohol (Ethanol)
- Acetic acid (Vinegar)
- Soap (Sodium stearate)
- Detergents (Sodium lauryl sulfate)
External Learning Resource
External link for further learning:
NCERT Official Chapter – Carbon and its Compounds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is carbon so versatile?
Answer: Carbon’s ability to catenate (form chains with itself), form stable covalent bonds, and exist in different allotropes makes it central to organic chemistry.
2. What is the difference between organic and inorganic carbon compounds?
Answer: Organic compounds contain carbon along with hydrogen (and other elements), primarily forming chains and rings. Inorganic carbon compounds are simpler, like CO₂ and CO.
3. What are saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Answer: Saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) have only single bonds, whereas unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes and alkynes) contain double or triple bonds.
4. How is coal different from diamond, though both are forms of carbon?
Answer: Coal is amorphous, with no definite structure, while diamond has a crystal structure making it extremely hard and transparent.
5. What is catenation and which elements show it?
Answer: Catenation is self-linking property; besides carbon, silicon shows it but to a lesser extent.
Sample Exam Table: Carbon Compounds Reactions
| Reactant(s) | Condition | Product(s) | Reaction Type |
| CH₄ + Cl₂ | Sunlight | CH₃Cl + HCl | Substitution |
| C₂H₄ + H₂ | Ni/Pt catalyst | C₂H₆ | Addition |
| Ethanol | Acidified KMnO₄ | Ethanoic acid | Oxidation |
Conclusion
The world of carbon and its compounds is fascinating and infinite. Its ability to form countless molecules makes life possible and fuels our modern world. For CBSE Class 10, mastering this chapter is essential for building strong foundations in chemistry.
For more study materials and solutions, visit the CBSE Official Portal.
