Why does carbon show catenation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because carbon-carbon bonds are strong
Catenation is the ability of an element to form covalent bonds with atoms of the same element, producing chains, branches, or rings. Carbon atoms are small, so their orbitals overlap effectively and carbon–carbon bonds are strong and stable. Combined with carbon’s tetravalency, this allows extensive structures. Insolubility, gas formation, or absence of valency does not cause catenation; therefore A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Because carbon-carbon bonds are strong
Why is this the correct answer?
Catenation is the ability of an element to form covalent bonds with atoms of the same element, producing chains, branches, or rings. Carbon atoms are small, so their orbitals overlap effectively and carbon–carbon bonds are strong and stable. Combined with carbon’s tetravalency, this allows extensive structures. Insolubility, gas formation, or absence of valency does not cause catenation; therefore 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.
