Carbon Chemistry (Essential Chemistry Series)

by Carolyn Arden Malkin, Krista West

Overview

The versatility of carbon is what makes this element so much a part of human life. Humans literally cannot live without carbon. All life on Earth is carbon based, both in structure and in function. The energy for all life processes is dependent on carbon-based substances, and most of the energy that humans use to power homes and cars comes from carbon combustion. As an accidental result of these multiple, widespread uses of carbon, humans have disrupted Earth's balance of carbon-with largely unknown future consequences. Now, scientists look to the chemistry of carbon to right the balance. In Carbon Chemistry, learn how carbon is integrated into all facets of life as we know it, and discover the unique properties of this essential element.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780791097083
Publisher:	Chelsea House Publishers
Publication date:	10/28/2008
Series:	Essential Chemistry Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

1 Introduction to Carbon Chemistry 1

2 A Brief Review of Atoms and Elements 7

3 Carbon Compound Chemistry 16

4 Biomolecules 35

5 The Carbon Cycle 42

6 The Atmosphere and Climate 59

7 Global Warming 67

8 Carbon and Energy 75

9 Carbon Products 84

Periodic Table of the Elements 92

Electron Configurations 94

Table of Atomic Masses 96

Glossary 98

Bibliography 105

Further Reading 107

Photo Credits 110

Index 111

About the Author 117

Editorial Reviews

Gr 8 Up

In the first book, Cobb introduces students to the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, and the biosphere and then discusses how they interact with one another. Lew begins by introducing acids and bases and explains how their existence and reactions are critical to the operations of the Earth. Closing chapters highlight acids and bases in industry, in the human body, and in nature. West kicks off with an introduction to carbon chemistry, followed by a review of atoms and elements. Other subjects include carbon-compound chemistry, biomolecules, the carbon cycle, the atmosphere and climate, global warming, carbon producers, and carbon and energy. Annotated, colorful photographs and illustrations appear on most spreads, and boxed areas and sidebars highlight specific subjects and areas. The explanations are clear and detailed and offer informative introductions to the topics. These comprehensive titles will be useful additions to most libraries.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

School Library Journal