Bonds: Including Carbon Compounds Quick Check

Question

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Question
Which option describes the structure of the electron shells in a neutral carbon atom?(1 point)
Responses

A. The inner shell is complete with two electrons. The outer shell is incomplete with four electrons.

B. The inner shell is complete with four electrons. The outer shell is incomplete with two electrons.

C. The inner shell is incomplete with three electrons. The outer shell is incomplete with three electrons.

D. The inner shell is complete with three electrons. The outer shell is incomplete with three electrons.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

A. The inner shell is complete with two electrons. The outer shell is incomplete with four electrons.

In a neutral carbon atom, there are a total of six electrons. The first shell (inner shell) can hold a maximum of two electrons, and the second shell (outer shell) can hold up to eight electrons but in carbon, it contains four electrons. Therefore, A accurately describes the structure of the electron shells in a neutral carbon atom.