Question

Which of the following statements about carbon are true?

• A. It is a non-metal.
• B. Its valency is six.
• C. Its electronic configuration is (2,4).
• D. It has an atomic mass of 14 u.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A It is a non-metal.
C Its electronic configuration is (2,4).

• Carbon is a non-metal having six electrons, six protons and six neutrons in its atom.
• The electronic configuration of carbon atom is (2,4).
• It requires four more electrons to attain its nearest noble gas configuration and hence, has a valency of four.
• The atomic mass of an element refers to the total mass of protons and neutrons in its atom, expressed in 'u'. Hence, the atomic number of carbon is 12 u and not 14 u.