Carbon is an essential atom in many organic molecules. Why is it so useful?(1 point) Responses

It has an empty outer shell of electrons, allowing it to accept electrons from a larger number of atoms.

It has an empty outer shell of electrons, allowing it to accept electrons from a larger number of atoms.

It has a half-full outer shell of electrons, allowing it to form a wide variety of bonds.

It has a half-full outer shell of electrons, allowing it to form a wide variety of bonds.

It has a full outer shell of electrons, so it does not need electrons from other atoms.

It has a full outer shell of electrons, so it does not need electrons from other atoms.

It has an almost full outer shell of electrons, meaning that it is has a greater tendency to bond with other atoms.

1 answer

The correct response is:

It has an almost full outer shell of electrons, meaning that it has a greater tendency to bond with other atoms.

Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell (which can hold up to eight), making it versatile in forming covalent bonds with a wide variety of elements, including itself. This allows for the formation of complex organic molecules.