The atomic number of carbon is 6. This number represents the number of protons found in the nucleus of a carbon atom, determining its identity as an element. Carbon is essential for life and serves as the backbone of organic molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. It can form stable bonds with various elements, enabling the complexity and diversity of organic chemistry. Carbon occurs in several allotropes, the most notable being graphite, diamond, and amorphous carbon. Its ability to form chains and rings allows for the construction of complex molecular structures, making it fundamental to biology and numerous industrial applications.