Question

B) Ethane has the formula C2H6. In terms of electronic structure,

explain why there is a single covalent bond between the two carbon atoms.
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Answer 1

There is one single covalent bond between two carbon atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

We know that sharing of electrons form covalent bonds.

If we look upon K,L,M ,N shells of the carbon and hydrogen atoms.

We found that Hydrogen is having only
`1` electron in K shell.

And Carbon on the other hand is having
`2` electrons in K shell and
`4` electrons in L shell.

So carbon have
`4` valence electrons,and it can share
`4` bonds with any relevant atom to complete its octet.

And Hydrogen requires
`1` electron to complete its doublet.

Alkane general formula
`C_(n)H_(2n+2)`

For ethane
`n=2`

`C_(2)H_(4+2)`
`=`
`C_(2)H_(6)`

`1` Carbon atom is shared by
`3` Hydrogen.

The remaining one electron
`(4-3)=1` of carbon will be shared with another carbon atom.

An image of the sharing of electrons attached below,

Hence we have only
`1` covalent bond between the two.