ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Atomic carbon

Okay kiddo, have you heard of atoms before? They are tiny particles that make up everything around us, like the air we breathe, the chairs we sit on, and even you and me! Atoms are made up of even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Now, let's talk about atomic carbon. Carbon is a type of atom that is found in many things like plants, animals, and even in the Earth's crust. Atomic carbon means that there is just one carbon atom by itself, not bonded to any other atoms.

Atomic carbon can be found in space, where it's called "neutral carbon." Neutral means that it doesn't have any positive or negative charge. It's also found in some chemical reactions, where it can react with other atoms and molecules to create new compounds.

Sometimes, atomic carbon can be dangerous to our health. It's found in things like car exhaust and cigarette smoke, which can be harmful to breathe in. But, scientists are also studying atomic carbon to better understand its properties and how it interacts with other particles in the environment.

Overall, atomic carbon is a tiny particle that can be found all around us, and although it may be dangerous in some cases, it's also very important for scientific research.