How can you determine the number of covalent bonds that atoms of an element can typically form?

• A. By counting the total number of electrons in the atom
• B. By counting the number of protons in the nucleus
• C. By counting the number of valence electrons that are unpaired in the atom's ground state electron configuration
• D. By counting the number of neutrons in the atom

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the number of covalent bonds an atom can form depends on how many electrons it can share with other atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically an octet (8 electrons) for main-group elements.
2. Recognize that the key electrons involved in bonding are the valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell of the atom.
3. Determine the atom's ground state electron configuration to identify the distribution of electrons in its orbitals, focusing on the valence shell.
4. Count the number of unpaired valence electrons in the ground state electron configuration, as these unpaired electrons are available to form covalent bonds.
5. Conclude that the number of covalent bonds an atom can typically form corresponds to the number of these unpaired valence electrons.