Question

A) explain why carbon forms covalent bond? Give two reasons for carbon forming a large number of compounds.



b.Explain the formation of ammonia molecule.

Answer 1

carbon compounds forms covalent bonds because of its tetravalency , it can neither gain or lose electrons (because it requires large amount of energy to gain or lose 4 electrons) so it shares them.

2 reasons for carbon forming large numbers of compounds are

(1) Tetravalent nature of carbon

(2) catenation (it can form multiple bonds with itself)

Answer 2

Carbon is a small atom and it's valence electrons are strongly attracted by its nucleus. Therefore it cannot lose 4 electrons as it requires large amount of energy. It cannot gain 4 electrons because addition of 4 electrons in valence shell will result in strong electronic repulsion between 8 electrons now present in valence shell and the energy required to overcome these repulsions is very high.

B) catenation,isomerism and capability to form multiple bonds