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Microcosm

Carbon atom: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 140 pm.

approximate covalent diameter

pm means picometer: a unit used to measure atoms and their bonds. Imagine 1 millimeter split into one billion equal pieces: one piece measures 1 pm.

An element capable of forming an immense variety of molecules.

Explore at this scale
Carbon atom, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

An element capable of forming an immense variety of molecules. Carbon bonds make possible the chains and rings found in the chemistry of living things. The covalent diameter is a bonding reference, rather than a sharp physical boundary of the atom.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with Hydrogen atom in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Catalogue order of magnitude; a source is provided, but this measurement has not been individually audited.

Carbon atom: interpreted diagram of orbital densities. The lobes, colours and nuclear proportions are visual conventions, not a calculated or validated electron map. Approximate covalent diameter.