Question

Explain the carbon forms compounds mainly by

covalent bond. Explain in brief two main reasons for

carbon forming a large number of compounds. Why

does carbon form strong bonds with most of the other

elements? ​

Answer 1

Answer :

Covalent bond in carbon:

Carbon has an electronic configuration of 2,4. Hence, it has 4 valence electrons and it needs to gain or lose 4 electrons to attain noble gas configuration. In other words, to become stable.

But, in such a case, losing or gaining 4 electrons is not possible, due to energy considerations. Hence, carbon shares electrons with atoms of carbon or other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, etc.

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Reason for large number of carbon compounds:-

Carbon forms a large number of compounds due to the following reasons:-

• Catenation: The unique ability of carbon to form bonds with other atoms of carbon give rise to a long chain of different types of carbon compounds.

• Tetra-valency: Carbon has a valency of 4, so it is capable of bonding with four other atoms of carbon or atoms of elements like oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, etc.

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Strong bonds by carbon:

The reason for the formation of strong bonds by carbon is it's small size. This enables the nucleus to hold on to the shared pair of electrons strongly.

Answer 2

Answer:

Carbon has 4 electrons in its outermost shell and requires 4 more electrons to attain a noble gas electronic configuration. ... So, carbon achieves a noble gas electronic configuration only by sharing its 4 valence electrons with other elements. Thus, it forms compounds mainly by covalent bonds.