Question

8. Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell. Why does this make it important to life?
The outermost shell can form up to four covalent bonds and this allows it to form biomolecules.
The outermost shell can only bond with hydrogen and other carbon atoms.
The outermost shell is full, making it a stable element that can bond to water.
The outermost shell never fails making it unstable and unable to bond to other carbon molecules.

Answer 1

The first option is correct: The outermost shell can form up to four covalent bonds and this allows it to form biomolecules.

Brief explanation: With four valence electrons, carbon can share electrons with up to four other atoms, making diverse stable chains and rings—essential for the complex molecules of life.