Chapter 9, Problem 1RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To explain the important characteristics of carbon.

Concept Introduction:

Carbons is the main source of organic materials due to its versatility, typically because of the unique electronic configuration it has.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Solution:

The important characteristics of carbon are as follows:

1) 4 valence electrons 2) hybridization 3) natural abundance

Explanation of Solution

Carbon is a very versatile element. It is the main source of material for organic substances and compounds. This is mostly because of the following:

1. Carbon has four electrons in its valence, therefore, it shares its 4 electrons with other atoms for form single, double or triple bonds. This allows carbon to bond with all types of atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur and phosphorus to form variety of compounds.
2. Carbon will typically have its orbitals hybridized, which is the overlap of “s” and “p” orbitals. This allows for complex chemical bond formation, especially those nonpolar covalent and polar covalent bonding.
3. Carbon is present in nature readily. This implies that there are plenty of sources for formation of organic material.

Conclusion

Carbon is very interesting since it has plenty of physical and chemical properties which allows different compound formation.