Question

How many covalent bonds can Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Or Oxygen form?

Answer 1

Carbon atoms can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to satisfy the octet rule.

Step-by-step explanation:

Individual carbon atoms have an incomplete outermost electron shell. With an atomic number of 6 (six electrons and six protons), the first two electrons fill the inner shell, leaving four in the second shell. Therefore, carbon atoms can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to satisfy the octet rule. The methane molecule provides an example: it has the chemical formula CH4. Each of its four hydrogen atoms forms a single covalent bond with the carbon atom by sharing a pair of electrons. This results in a filled outermost shell.

Answer 2

Carbon can form four covalent bonds.
Hydrogen can form one covalent bond.
Nitrogen can form three covalent bonds.
Oxygen can form two covalent bonds.