
Interpretation: The maximum number of other atoms to which a given carbon atom can be attached needs to be determined.
Concept introduction: The

Answer to Problem 2A
Carbon can be attached to maximum 4 atoms because it has a valence of 4.
Explanation of Solution
The reason so many carbon-containing compounds exist is because carbon forms strong bonds to itself and to many other elements. A carbon atom can form bonds to a maximum of four other atoms; these can be either carbon atoms or atoms of other elements. One of the hardest, toughest materials known is diamond, a form of pure carbon in which each carbon atom is bound to four other carbon atoms.
And this is because carbon has a valence of 4 that is why it can form maximum 4 bonds.
When carbon has four atoms bound to it, these atoms will always have a tetrahedral arrangement about the carbon in order to have minimum repulsion.
Chapter 20 Solutions
World of Chemistry, 3rd edition
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