Basic Concepts of Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Edition

15

Group – 14 (IVA) C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb

Element of this group are p-block element. Carbon and Si are non-metals (Si slightly metallic), Ge is metalloid, Sn and Pb are metals.

CARBON

Carbon has three isotopes, they are:

 

Table 15.1

The radioisotope ¹⁴C (t_1/2 = 5770 years) can be produced by thermal neutron irradiation of Al – nitride.

In the atmosphere, ¹⁴C is produced by the action of the neutrons in cosmic rays on nitrogen (like above reaction). Its formation and absorption of ¹⁴CO₂ by living systems (plants and organisms) is used in radiocarbon ...