Question

Which statement best explains why carbon is present in so many kinds of molecules? it has valence electrons. it can form four covalent bonds. it is abundant on earth. it can become an ion.

Answer 1

B.) It can form four covalent bonds

Answer 2

Answer : The correct option is, it can form four covalent bonds.

Explanation :

Carbon is a non-metal that belongs to group 14 and period 2. The atomic number of carbon is, 6.

The electronic configuration of carbon is,
`1s^22s^22p^2`

That means, carbon has 4 valence electrons. So, carbon can bond with another carbon atoms by sharing a maximum of four electrons and carbon can also bond with another different elements by sharing a maximum of four electrons.

And, carbon can also form single, double, or triple bonds with another carbon atom.

Hence, the correct statement is, it can form four covalent bonds.