Which key difference between carbon and silicon makes carbon better suited to forming molecules for living things?
Carbon has the right number of outer electrons to form a wide range of molecules.
Oxidized carbon is a gas at room temperature, rather than a solid.
Carbon has a greater atomic mass, allowing for stronger molecules.
Carbon is a naturally occurring element, so it is readily available.
The key difference between carbon and silicon that makes carbon better suited to forming molecules for living things is that carbon has the right number of outer electrons to form a wide range of molecules. This property of carbon allows it to form diverse and complex organic compounds, such as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which are essential for life processes. Silicon, on the other hand, does not possess this property in the same way and is therefore not as versatile in its ability to form a wide variety of biological molecules.
The key difference between carbon and silicon that makes carbon better suited for forming molecules in living things is that carbon has the right number of outer electrons to form a wide range of molecules. Carbon has four outer electrons, allowing it to form strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms and different elements. This ability to form diverse and complex bonds is vital for the creation of the diverse array of organic molecules found in living organisms.
The key difference between carbon and silicon that makes carbon better suited to forming molecules for living things is that carbon has the right number of outer electrons to form a wide range of molecules. Carbon has four valence electrons, which allows it to form stable bonds with other carbon atoms and with other elements. This property, known as catenation, enables carbon to form long chains and complex structures, which are essential for the formation of biological molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
To arrive at this answer, you can utilize the following steps:
1. Understand the question: The question is asking about the key difference between carbon and silicon that makes carbon more suitable for forming molecules in living things.
2. Research the properties of carbon and silicon: Carbon and silicon are both elements in the periodic table. Carbon is known for its ability to form a wide range of compounds, while silicon is primarily associated with being a constituent of minerals and inert compounds.
3. Compare the properties of carbon and silicon: In terms of outer electron configuration, carbon has four valence electrons while silicon has four valence electrons as well. However, the difference lies in the number of potential bonds carbon can form. Carbon can form strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms and with other elements due to its ability to share electrons. This property allows for the formation of varied and complex molecules. In contrast, silicon tends to form weaker bonds and is less versatile in its bonding capabilities.
4. Make a conclusion: Based on the comparison, the key difference between carbon and silicon that makes carbon more suitable for forming molecules in living things is its ability to form a wide range of stable compounds due to its four valence electrons.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Carbon has the right number of outer electrons to form a wide range of molecules.