This series uses a common or well-known element to look at the groups of the periodic table and to show the similarities and differences between elements. It uses full-colour illustration of the periodic table and shows the chemical symbol for each element in place, alongside its neighbours. Chemical formulae for common compounds are also shown. Information boxes and tables contain listings of facts and figures. Chemical reactions are interpreted as word equations, and timelines chart the history and discovery of the elements This title explores the extraordinary nature of carbon and its part in the life of animals and plants. It also looks at the unique way carbon atoms join with each other and other elements to form a vast number of different compounds. Other elements in the group, such as germanium, tin and lead, are investigated, and the way that they have impacted on the electronics, communications and petroleum industries is explored.