How many covalent bonds can a carbon atom typically form?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 3
• D. 1

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of covalent bonds an atom can form is related to the number of valence electrons it has and how many more electrons it needs to complete its octet.
2. Carbon has 4 valence electrons in its outer shell, as it is in group 14 of the periodic table.
3. To achieve a full octet (8 electrons), carbon needs 4 more electrons.
4. Each covalent bond involves sharing one pair of electrons, so carbon can form 4 covalent bonds to complete its octet.
5. Therefore, the typical number of covalent bonds formed by a carbon atom is 4.