The answer to which of these scientific questions would MOST likely explain why all life on Earth is based on carbon?
A.
How many carbon isotopes are stable?
B.
How much carbon is found in Earth’s crust?
C.
What are the naturally occurring states of carbon?
D.
What is the configuration of carbon’s valence shell?
The scientific question that would MOST likely explain why all life on Earth is based on carbon is option D: What is the configuration of carbon’s valence shell?
Explanation:
Carbon is a fundamental element for life on Earth because it has a unique ability to form diverse and stable chemical bonds. The configuration of an atom's valence shell determines its ability to participate in chemical reactions and form bonds with other atoms. In carbon's case, it has four valence electrons, allowing it to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms, including other carbon atoms. This ability to form multiple bonds and create complex molecular structures is integral to the formation of organic compounds, such as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which are the building blocks of life.