The carbon atom is tetravalent. This means that:

• A. It can donate four electrons to form ionic bonds.
• B. It can only bond with oxygen atoms.
• C. It can form four covalent bonds with other atoms.
• D. It has four neutrons in its nucleus.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the meaning of 'tetravalent' in chemistry: it refers to an atom having four valence electrons available for bonding.
2. Recall that carbon has four valence electrons and tends to form four covalent bonds to complete its octet, sharing electrons with other atoms.
3. Recognize that tetravalency does not imply donating electrons to form ionic bonds, nor does it restrict bonding only to oxygen atoms.
4. Note that the number of neutrons in the nucleus is unrelated to the valency of an atom; valency depends on valence electrons.
5. Conclude that the correct interpretation of carbon being tetravalent is that it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms.