Question

State the number of covalent bonds that can be formed by atoms of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon and express how the electronic configuration of carbon, in particular, dictates the three-dimensional shape of organic molecules.

Answer 1

Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon form 1, 2, 3, and 4 covalent bonds respectively, influenced by the number of unpaired electrons in their valence shells. Carbon's four bonds create diverse three-dimensional organic molecule shapes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Atoms of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon can form 1, 2, 3, and 4 covalent bonds respectively. The electronic configuration of carbon, with four valence electrons, enables it to form four covalent bonds, dictating the three-dimensional shape of organic molecules. For example, in a methane molecule (CH4), each of the four hydrogen atoms forms a single covalent bond with the carbon atom.

Carbon's unique ability to form single, double, and triple bonds with itself and other elements create a diverse range of organic molecules. The number of covalent bonds that an element can form correlates with the number of unpaired electrons in its valence shell, which influences the structure and stability of the resulting compounds. Carbon's four covalent bonds are fundamental in forming the tetrahedral geometry seen in many organic molecules.