GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -Because carbon has four electrons in its valence shell, it is able to form four covalent bonds with other atoms.

Detailed explanation-2: -A carbon atom can bond with four other atoms and is like the four-hole wheel, while an oxygen atom, which can bond only to two, is like the two-hole wheel. Carbon’s ability to form bonds with four other atoms goes back to its number and configuration of electrons.

Detailed explanation-3: -A: Carbon can form four covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are chemical bonds that form between nonmetals. In a covalent bond, two atoms share a pair of electrons. By forming four covalent bonds, carbon shares four pairs of electrons, thus filling its outer energy level and achieving stability.

Detailed explanation-4: -Individual carbon atoms have an incomplete outermost electron shell. With an atomic number of 6 (six electrons and six protons), the first two electrons fill the inner shell, leaving four in the second shell. Therefore, carbon atoms can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to satisfy the octet rule.

Detailed explanation-5: -Although carbon usually forms 4 chemical bonds, it’s possible (though rare) for 5 bonds to form. The carbonium ion and superacid methanium (CH5+) is a gas that can be produced under low-temperature laboratory conditions.