The carbon atom contains 6 electrons, 6 protons and usually 6-7 neutrons. Carbon is an element located in the 4th group of the periodic table. Carbon is one of the basic building blocks of life and the cornerstone of organic compounds (carbon-based compounds). Carbon has the capacity to form four bonds and can therefore be found in many different compounds. Carbon can generally be found in nature in different structural forms such as diamond, graphite and fullerene. Carbon also has many chemical compounds such as carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide. Carbon's different structural forms and compounds make it a versatile element and is used in many different fields such as industry, medicine, electronics, mining, construction and food. Carbon forms the basis of organic chemistry and life science.