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Which statement best explains why carbon bonds to four hydrogen atoms to form methane but to only two oxygen atoms to form carbon
dioxide? (1 point)
The carbon in methane has more valence electrons to share than the carbon in carbon dioxide.
Hydrogen shares electrons with carbon, but oxygen transfers its electrons.
The carbon in carbon dioxide is stable, with fewer valence electrons than the carbon in methane.
Hydrogen shares one valence electron with carbon, and oxygen shares two valence electrons.


Sagot :

Here, we are required to determine which statement best describes why carbon bonds to four hydrogen atoms to form methane but to only two oxygen atoms to form Carbon dioxide.

  • The statement which best explains the behaviour of Carbon as described above is; Hydrogen shares one valence electron with carbon, and oxygen shares two valence electrons.

Carbon, C which has atomic number, 6 and a valency of 4 is capable of bonding with 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 Oxygen atoms to form Methane and Carbon dioxide respectively.

  • The reason for the situation above can be attributed to the +1 valency of Hydrogen and 2- Valency of oxygen respectively.

Therefore, 4 atoms of hydrogen are needed to completely bond with the 4 Valence electrons of Carbon (sp³ hybridization).

On the other hand, 2 Oxygen atoms with a 2- valency each bond with the Carbon atom to form Carbon dioxide, CO2.

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https://brainly.com/question/557108

Answer: Hydrogen shares one valence electron with carbon, and oxygen shares two valence electrons.