AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Carbon has four such sharable electrons of its own, so it tends to form four bonds to other atoms.

Detailed explanation-2: -For making four bonds, eight electrons would have to be squeezed in and such a system is highly unstable energetically. So, C-C quadruple bonds do not exist.

Detailed explanation-3: -Carbon contains four electrons in its outer shell. Therefore, it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms or molecules.

Detailed explanation-4: -The four covalent bonding positions of the carbon atom can give rise to a wide diversity of compounds with many functions, accounting for the importance of carbon in living things. Carbon contains four electrons in its outer shell. Therefore, it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms or molecules.

Detailed explanation-5: -Carbon’s ability to form up to four covalent bonds means chains and rings of carbon can form. This means many different molecular structures can be built from this versatile atom. Carbon can easily bond to lots of other elements, including hydrogen, oxygen and the halogens.