### Properties of Carbon Atoms **Question:** Which of the following is a property of carbon atoms? **Options:** 1. **They readily give up two electrons to become stable.** 2. **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms.** 3. **They have six valence electrons.** 4. **They are chemically inert.** **Explanation:** Carbon atoms have unique properties that make them essential for the structure and function of all known living things. Understanding these properties can help elucidate why carbon is such a fundamental element in biology and chemistry. 1. **They readily give up two electrons to become stable:** This statement is not accurate. Carbon does not readily give up electrons but instead forms stable bonds by sharing electrons. 2. **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms:** **This statement is true.** Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, allowing them to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to achieve a full outer shell. This property is fundamental in the formation of complex organic molecules. 3. **They have six valence electrons:** This statement is incorrect. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, not six. 4. **They are chemically inert:** This statement is incorrect. Carbon is not chemically inert; it actively forms various stable bonds with different elements, forming an incredibly diverse array of compounds. ### Correct Answer: - **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms.**

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question
### Properties of Carbon Atoms

**Question:**
Which of the following is a property of carbon atoms?

**Options:**
1. **They readily give up two electrons to become stable.**
2. **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms.**
3. **They have six valence electrons.**
4. **They are chemically inert.**

**Explanation:**

Carbon atoms have unique properties that make them essential for the structure and function of all known living things. Understanding these properties can help elucidate why carbon is such a fundamental element in biology and chemistry.

1. **They readily give up two electrons to become stable:** This statement is not accurate. Carbon does not readily give up electrons but instead forms stable bonds by sharing electrons.

2. **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms:** **This statement is true.** Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, allowing them to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to achieve a full outer shell. This property is fundamental in the formation of complex organic molecules.

3. **They have six valence electrons:** This statement is incorrect. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, not six.

4. **They are chemically inert:** This statement is incorrect. Carbon is not chemically inert; it actively forms various stable bonds with different elements, forming an incredibly diverse array of compounds.

### Correct Answer:
- **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms.**
Transcribed Image Text:### Properties of Carbon Atoms **Question:** Which of the following is a property of carbon atoms? **Options:** 1. **They readily give up two electrons to become stable.** 2. **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms.** 3. **They have six valence electrons.** 4. **They are chemically inert.** **Explanation:** Carbon atoms have unique properties that make them essential for the structure and function of all known living things. Understanding these properties can help elucidate why carbon is such a fundamental element in biology and chemistry. 1. **They readily give up two electrons to become stable:** This statement is not accurate. Carbon does not readily give up electrons but instead forms stable bonds by sharing electrons. 2. **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms:** **This statement is true.** Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, allowing them to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to achieve a full outer shell. This property is fundamental in the formation of complex organic molecules. 3. **They have six valence electrons:** This statement is incorrect. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, not six. 4. **They are chemically inert:** This statement is incorrect. Carbon is not chemically inert; it actively forms various stable bonds with different elements, forming an incredibly diverse array of compounds. ### Correct Answer: - **They can form covalent bonds with other atoms.**
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY