Question

How does the carbon atom complete its octet?

Answer 1

Answer: By sharing its electrons and forming covalent bond.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbon is the 6th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of
`1s^22s^22p^2`

This element requires 4 electrons to have a stable electronic configuration.

Carbon cannot gain 4 electrons because it will be difficult for a nucleus of six protons to hold extra 4 electrons.

This element also cannot loose 4 electrons because it requires very large amount of energy to remove 4 electrons.

Covalent bond is formed by the sharing of electrons between the atoms forming a bond.

Hence, carbon will only share its electrons and will form covalent bond with other atoms.

Answer 2

Carbon atoms has four valence electrons. A carbon atom completes the octet rule by sharing these electrons with other atoms. Therefore, carbon atoms form four covalent bonds. Hope this answers the question. Have a nice day.