Question

Which element has atoms that can bond with each other to form ring, chain, and network structures?

(1) aluminum
(2) calcium
(3) carbon
(4) argon

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is Option 3.

Explanation:

The property in which atoms of the same element can form ring, chain or network structures is known as catenation.

From the elements given in the options, only carbon shows this property.

Carbon can bond with other carbon atom to form ring. Example: cyclopentane, cyclohexane etc..

Carbon can bond with other carbon atom to form long chains. Example: fatty acids.

The atoms of carbon bond with each other to form network structures. Example: Buckminster fullerene

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.

Answer 2

This is basics of organic chemistry - the element that has atoms that can bond with each other to form ring, chain, and network structures is (3) carbon.
The other elements available above cannot form such structures, whereas carbon, which is abundant in nature, can.