Question

Explain why carbon atoms have six electrons

Answer 1

Answer:

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.

Answer 2

Answer:

The Carbon Atom

Density: 2.267g/cu.cm. The Carbon atom has six electrons, 4 of the electrons are in its valence shell (outershell). ... This is because the p orbitals have the same energy and the electrons would rather be in separate orbitals.

Explanation:

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.

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