Editing Carbon group (section)

==Applications==
Carbon is most commonly used in its [[amorphous]] form. In this form, carbon is used for [[steelmaking]], as [[carbon black]], as a filling in [[tires]], in [[respirators]], and as [[activated charcoal]]. Carbon is also used in the form of [[graphite]], for example as the lead in [[pencils]]. [[Diamond]], another form of carbon, is commonly used in jewelry.<ref name = "Nature's Building Blocks"/> [[Carbon fibers]] are used in numerous applications, such as [[satellite]] struts, because the fibers are highly strong yet elastic.<ref name = "Structure of Matter">{{Citation|last =  Galan|first = Mark|title = Structure of Matter|year = 1992| publisher=Time-Life |isbn=0-809-49663-1}}</ref>

[[Silicon dioxide]] has a wide variety of applications, including [[toothpaste]], construction fillers, and silica is a major component of [[glass]]. 50% of pure silicon is devoted to the manufacture of metal [[alloys]]. 45% of silicon is devoted to the manufacture of [[silicone]]s. Silicon is also commonly used in [[semiconductor]]s since the 1950s.<ref name = "The Disappearing Spoon"/><ref name="Structure of Matter"/>

Germanium was used in semiconductors until the 1950s, when it was replaced by silicon.<ref name = "The Disappearing Spoon"/> Radiation detectors contain germanium. [[Germanium dioxide]] is used in [[fiber optics]] and wide-angle camera lenses. A small amount of germanium mixed with [[silver]] can make silver [[tarnish]]-proof. The resulting alloy is known as [[argentium sterling silver]].<ref name = "Nature's Building Blocks"/>

[[Solder]] is the most important use of tin; 50% of all tin produced goes into this application. 20% of all tin produced is used in [[tin plate]]. 20% of tin is used by the [[chemical industry]]. Tin is a constituent of numerous alloys, including [[pewter]]. [[Tin(IV) oxide]] has been commonly used in [[ceramic]]s for thousands of years. [[Cobalt stannate]] is a tin compound which is used as a [[cerulean blue]] [[pigment]].<ref name = "Nature's Building Blocks"/>

80% of all lead produced goes into [[Lead–acid battery|lead–acid batteries]]. Other applications for lead include weights, pigments, and shielding against radioactive materials. Lead was historically used in gasoline in the form of [[tetraethyllead]], but this application has been discontinued due to concerns of toxicity.<ref>{{Citation|last = Blum|first = Deborah|title = The Poisoner's Handbook|year = 2010}}<!-- ISBN=1-101-4288-x ?--></ref>