Carbon (C) is classified as a nonmetal. It is found in group 14 of the periodic table and is known for its ability to form a vast number of compounds. The nonmetal classification is based on its physical and chemical properties.
Unlike metals, which are typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of electricity, carbon appears in several allotropes, including graphite and diamond. Graphite has a slippery feel and is an excellent conductor of electricity, but this is due to its unique structure, which differs from that of metals.
Carbon’s nonmetal characteristics also include its tendency to form covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds, a common trait among nonmetals. It usually gains or shares electrons during chemical reactions, which emphasizes its nonmetallic behavior.
In summary, carbon is not a metal or a semimetal; it is a nonmetal that plays a crucial role in organic chemistry and is essential for life as we know it.