Diamond is a covalently bonded substance made of pure carbon. Each carbon atom has six total electrons so this means carbon shares ________ electron(s) with other carbon atoms.
A) one
B) two
C) four
D) six
Help Please!
B. two
To determine the number of electrons that carbon shares with other carbon atoms in a covalent bond, we need to understand its electron configuration. Carbon has an atomic number of 6, which means it has six electrons.
In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to complete their outermost electron shell. In the case of carbon, it has four valence electrons in its outermost shell. Carbon needs four more electrons to complete the octet rule (eight electrons in its outer shell).
To achieve the octet rule, carbon forms four covalent bonds, each with another carbon atom or other elements. By sharing electrons, carbon can complete its outer shell and achieve stability.
Therefore, the correct answer is C) four, as carbon shares four electrons with other carbon atoms in a covalent bond.