What is the correct meaning of tetravalency of carbon?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Carbon can form four covalent bonds
Tetravalency means that an atom has valency four. Carbon has four valence electrons and can share these electrons to complete its outer shell. As a result, it can form four covalent bonds, either with hydrogen, other carbon atoms, or suitable atoms of other elements. The term does not mean four nuclei, four metals, or four exclusively ionic bonds, so option A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Carbon can form four covalent bonds
Why is this the correct answer?
Tetravalency means that an atom has valency four. Carbon has four valence electrons and can share these electrons to complete its outer shell. As a result, it can form four covalent bonds, either with hydrogen, other carbon atoms, or suitable atoms of other elements. The term does not mean four nuclei, four metals, or four exclusively ionic bonds, so option A 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.
