Question

A carbon atom four electrons to complete its octet.

• A. gains
• B. loses
• C. shares

Answer 1

The correct option is C shares

$\bullet$ The atomic number of carbon is six and it has an electronic configuration: ${\text{1s}}^2$ ${\text{2s}}^2$ ${\text{2p}}^2$.
$\bullet$ Carbon cannot form a ${\text{C}}^{4+}$ ion as it requires a large amount of energy to lose 4 electrons.
$\bullet$ Carbon cannot form a ${\text{C}}^{4-}$ ion as well because it would be difficult for the nucleus with six protons to hold ten electrons.

Therefore, a carbon atom usually share electrons with other carbon atoms or atoms of other elements to complete its octet.