2006-09-27 08:13:52 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
four
2006-09-27 08:15:51 · answer #1 · answered by Lara^mt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The carbon atom can only form 4 bonds. Here's the electron configuration of carbon:
1s2 2s2 2p2 or [He] 2s2 2p2
Now I will rewrite the shortcut version of the electron configuration:
[He] 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz0
As you can see, there are only four valence orbitals available to carbon. Because there are only four valence orbitals available, carbon can have a max. of 8 electrons. Since a single bond takes up two electrons, and because 8/2 = 4, carbon can only make four bonds. This is called the Octet Rule.
2006-09-27 16:22:28 · answer #2 · answered by عبد الله (ドラゴン) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Four. Tetravalancy occurs because there are 4 unpaired electrons in the valance shell of a sinlge, unbound carbon atom.
2006-09-27 15:19:58 · answer #3 · answered by ohmneo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can form 4 bonds.
2006-09-27 15:21:31 · answer #4 · answered by Frograid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
four it is known as tetravaoency of carbon
2006-09-27 15:16:17 · answer #5 · answered by bebeto 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4 ~ we just did this in bio :]
test today actually
2006-09-27 15:21:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hooray for hydrocarbons
2006-09-27 15:20:59 · answer #7 · answered by T-Luv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋