Question

Which subatomic particle is exchanged in the combustion of carbon to form carbon dioxide (C + O2 → CO2)? A. neutron B. proton C. electron D. alpha particle

Answer 1

C. electron

Step-by-step explanation:

This is because since the carbon atom has an atomic number of 6 and an electronic configuration of 2,4, it shares two pairs of electrons with two oxygen atoms with atomic number 8 and electronic configuration 2, 6.

The 4 electrons (two pairs of electrons) on the outermost shell of the carbon atom are shared one pair each for each oxygen atom, which enables the oxygen atom attain the stable octet configuration.

Also, the above reaction is a chemical reaction and not a nuclear reaction, so an alpha particle cannot be involved.