Chapter 20, Problem 2A

Interpretation Introduction

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

Concept introduction: The atomic number of carbon atom is 6 and the number of valence electrons in carbon atoms is 4.

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.

Conclusion

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.