The correct answer is: the outermost can form up to four covalent bonds.
Carbon having four valence electrons allows it to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms. This property is the foundation of carbon's ability to form the complex and diverse molecules found in living organisms, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. This property of carbon is known as catenation and it is essential for the formation of the intricate structures and chemistry observed in organic compounds. The ability to form multiple bonds allows carbon to create stable and diverse compounds, making it the basis of life on Earth.
What is the significance of carbon having four valence electrons?
The outermost shell is full, making it stable.
The outermost shell can only bond with hydrogen
the outermost shell never fills making it unstable
the outermost can form up to four covalent bonds
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