What is the valency of carbon?

Correct answer: Four

Carbon has atomic number 6, so its electronic configuration is 2,4. It has four electrons in its valence shell and generally shares four electrons to complete a stable outer shell. Consequently, carbon forms four covalent bonds and has valency four. Nitrogen commonly shows valency three, while one and two are not the usual valencies tested for neutral carbon in this context. Hence, option D is correct.