Question

Class X Sciences
[papers from previous years]

Elements forming ionic compounds attain noble gas configuration by
either gaining or losing electrons from their outermost shells.
Give reason to explain why carbon cannot attain noble gas
configuration in this manner to form its compounds. Name the type
of bonds formed in ionic compounds and in the compounds formed by
carbon. Also give reason why carbon compounds are generally poor
conductors of electricity.

Answer 1

Carbon has electronic configuration : 2,4   (6 electrons)
Carbon has to gain or loss four electrons to attain noble gas configuration.But it is not possible to loss or gain electrons as it would affect the balance of number of proton and electron.Thus carbon cannot attain noble gas
configuration in this manner to form its compounds.Hence it possess covalent bond.
Covalent compounds are poor conductors of electricity as there is no more free moving electrons to conduct current.