Question

Which of these is not characteristic of carbon?

a. Forms four covalent bonds
b. Bonds with itself
c. Forms long chains
d. Is sometimes ionic?

Answer 1

Option d

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbon is a non-metal. Atomic number of carbon is 6.

Electronic configuration of C =
`1s^22s^22p^2`

Its outer shell has 4 valence electrons. Carbon forms covalent bond by sharing its valence electrons. So, carbon completes its octate by sharing its four valence electrons.

Catenation is the characterisctics property of carbon. Catenation is the property of elements in which atoms of same element bond with itself in a series to form long chain.

Elements usually form bond in order to attain stability.

Carbon does not form ionic bond, as removal of 4 electrons or gain of 4 electrons is not possible in order to attain inert gas configuration.

Answer 2

The correct answer is d.

C has four valence electrons. To become an ion with a complete valence shell, it would have to

• • Gain four electrons to become C⁴⁻ or
• • Lose four electrons to become C⁴⁺

Thus, carbon is extremely unlikely to form ionic compounds.