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

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.