How many hydrogen atoms will a single carbon atom bond with to form a stable molecule, assuming the carbon atom forms only single bonds?

• A. 3
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 1

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that carbon has 4 valence electrons and needs 4 more electrons to complete its octet and become stable.
2. Understand that each single covalent bond involves sharing one pair of electrons between two atoms.
3. Since carbon forms only single bonds in this problem, it will form one single bond per valence electron it needs to complete its octet.
4. Therefore, carbon will form 4 single bonds to satisfy the octet rule.
5. Each single bond can be formed with one hydrogen atom (which has 1 valence electron), so carbon will bond with 4 hydrogen atoms to form a stable molecule.