Why is carbon considered a versatile element?

Carbon is versatile because it can form many different compounds due to its four valence electrons.

Name three major carbon reservoirs.

The ocean, rocks/fossil fuels, and the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and incorporates it into organic molecules in plants and other photosynthetic organisms.

Cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as organisms break down organic molecules for energy.

Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gases.

Name: Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles
Author: Insta~Lesson

8th Grade · Science · 45 min

I can describe how carbon and nitrogen move through the environment.

1
Carbon and nitrogen are two major elements that compost supplies plants with, and both are very important for life.
2
Carbon cycles through reservoirs such as the ocean, rocks, fossil fuels, living organisms, and the atmosphere.
3
Nitrogen is fixed by bacteria into forms like ammonia and ammonium, which plants can then use.

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