Question

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

• A. 5
• B. 4
• C. 3
• D. 2

Answer 1

The correct option is B 4

The valence electron of hydrogen is 1 and the valence electron of carbon is 4.
Thus hydrogen will require 2 electrons to complete its outermost orbital. Thus carbon will share one of its electrons with hydrogen.
But still, there are 3 more unshared electrons left out with carbon. So, it can make bonds with 3 other hydrogen atoms.
Thus one carbon can accept a maximum of 4 hydrogen atoms.