What is the ability of carbon to form long chains with its own atoms called?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Catenation
Catenation is the ability of an element to form covalent bonds with atoms of the same element, and carbon shows this property particularly strongly. Carbon–carbon bonds produce straight chains, branched chains, and rings, explaining the enormous number of carbon compounds. Isomerism means different structures with the same molecular formula; neutralisation is an acid-base reaction, and oxidation involves loss of electrons or addition of oxygen. Therefore, option B is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Catenation
Why is this the correct answer?
Catenation is the ability of an element to form covalent bonds with atoms of the same element, and carbon shows this property particularly strongly. Carbon–carbon bonds produce straight chains, branched chains, and rings, explaining the enormous number of carbon compounds. Isomerism means different structures with the same molecular formula; neutralisation is an acid-base reaction, and oxidation involves loss of electrons or addition of oxygen. Therefore, option B is correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Carbon and its Compounds.