In a neutral carbon atom, there are a total of 6 electrons. The electron configuration is as follows:
- The inner shell can hold up to 2 electrons and is full with 2 electrons.
- The outer shell has 4 electrons, as it can hold up to 8.
Therefore, the correct option that describes the structure of the electron shells in a neutral carbon atom is:
The inner shell is complete with two electrons. The outer shell is incomplete with four electrons.