Question

Carbon is a vital part of the phospholipids that make up cell membranes and the carbohydrates that make up cell walls. Which of the following allows carbon to bond with up to four other atoms at a time and form the macromolecules that are essential to life? A. the six protons in its nucleus B. the six neutrons in its nucleus C. the two electrons in its inner shell D. the four electrons in its outer shell

Answer 1

The correct answer is option D, that is, the four electrons in its outer shell.

Carbon is a very common constituent of matter as it can combine with other elements and with itself. It can produce a huge array of compounds, varying in size from just a few atoms to thousands of atoms.

Carbon is a nonmetal in the periodic table group 14. Carbon has four valence electrons, the valence electrons refer to the electrons in the outer energy level of an atom, which takes part in chemical bonds.