Question

What is the maximum number of hydrogen atoms required to attain the octet configuration by a carbon atom?

• A. 5
• B. 4
• C. 3
• D. 2

Answer 1

The correct option is B 4

The valency of hydrogen is 1 and the valency of carbon is 4.
Thus hydrogen requires 2 electrons to complete its octet configuration. Carbon shares one of its electrons with hydrogen.
Still, there are 3 more unshared electrons left out with carbon. So, it can make bonds with 3 other hydrogen atoms.
Thus one carbon atom accepts a maximum of 4 hydrogen atoms.