Which of the following explains why the valency of carbon is 4 even though it has 6 electrons?
A) donates its 2 electrons to another atom
B) shares its 2 electrons and bonds with another atom
C) has 4 electrons in its first shell and 2 in the second shell
D) has 2 electrons in its first shell and 4 in the second shell

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon has a total of 6 electrons, with 2 in the first shell (closest to the nucleus) and 4 in the second shell. The electrons in the second shell are the ones involved in bonding, making carbon's valency 4 because it can form four bonds to complete its outer shell.

Which of the Following Explains Why the Valency of Carbon