How many hydrogen atoms can be bonded to one carbon atom?
A. 2
B. 4
C. 1
D. 3
Answer (1)
Carbon atoms have four valence electrons and form four covalent bonds.
Hydrogen atoms have one valence electron and form one covalent bond.
One carbon atom can bond with four hydrogen atoms to satisfy its bonding requirements.
The number of hydrogen atoms that can be bonded to one carbon atom is 4 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The question asks how many hydrogen atoms can bond to a single carbon atom. To answer this, we need to understand the bonding properties of carbon and hydrogen.
Valence Electrons and Bonding Carbon has four valence electrons, meaning it can form four covalent bonds. Hydrogen has one valence electron and can form one covalent bond.
Determining the Number of Hydrogen Atoms Since carbon needs to form four bonds and each hydrogen atom can form one bond, one carbon atom can bond with four hydrogen atoms.
Final Answer Therefore, the answer is 4.
Examples
In organic chemistry, understanding how many hydrogen atoms can bond to a carbon atom is fundamental. For example, methane (CH4) is a simple molecule where one carbon atom bonds with four hydrogen atoms. This concept is crucial for understanding the structure and properties of more complex organic molecules, which form the basis of life and many industrial processes. Knowing the bonding capacity of carbon helps in predicting molecular structures and chemical reactions.
