Carbon Group
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The Carbon Group is the 14th group of the periodic table of chemical elements. It is also known as Group 14 or the Carbon Family. It contains carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), and the superheavy element used in flerovium synthesis (Fl).
The defining characteristic of the group is the electron configuration: each element has four electrons in its outermost shell (valence). This allows the elements to form four covalent bonds, as seen in methane (CH₄) or silicon dioxide.
Variation within the group
Moving down the group, the character changes from nonmetallic to metallic. Carbon is a nonmetal. Silicon and germanium are classified as metalloids, meaning they have intermediate properties and intermediate electrical conductivity. Tin and lead are true metals. Also, as one descends, the oxidation state of +2 becomes more stable relative to +4—an effect explained by the inert pair phenomenon.
Carbon and the chemistry of life
Carbon has a unique ability to bond to itself in long chains and rings (catenation). For this reason, millions of organic compounds exist, including proteins, sugars, and DNA. Carbon also exists in multiple forms made of the same element (allotropes): diamond, graphite, and newer forms such as graphene.
Industrial applications
Silicon is the basis of the electronics industry; it is used to make computer chips and solar panels. Germanium is used in optical and infrared devices. Tin is used in bronze plating and solder. Lead was historically used in pipes, batteries, and gasoline additives, but such uses have been largely phased out due to health concerns, as lead is toxic.