Question

Why does carbon form compounds by covalent bonding?

Answer 1

Carbon has four electrons in its valence shell. To attain stability, i.e to attain noble gas configuration it should either gain 4 electrons or lose 4 electrons. [1 Marks]

It cannot lose 4 electrons as it involves a lot of energy. Also, it cannot gain 4 electrons because the nucleus cannot hold on to the four extra electrons added. [1 Mark]

Therefore, to complete the octet, it shares 4 electrons with other atoms. That is why, carbon forms compounds mainly by covalent bonding. [1 Mark]