With four electrons in its outer shell, carbon can form ______ bonds with four other atoms.Multiple choice question.hydrophobiccovalentionichydrogen

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the key element and its characteristics from the question.
2. Determine the type of bonds carbon can form based on its outer shell electrons.

Relevant Concepts

1. Carbon has four electrons in its outermost shell (valence shell).
2. The options provided are: hydrophobic, covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds.

Analysis and Detail

1. Valence Electrons: Carbon has four valence electrons, which means it can share these electrons with other atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration.
2. Types of Bonds:
   • Covalent Bonds: Formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. This is the primary bonding type for carbon.
   • Ionic Bonds: Formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, typically between metals and nonmetals, not common for carbon.
   • Hydrogen Bonds: Typically weaker interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen), not relevant for carbon’s bonding.
   • Hydrophobic Interactions: Not a bond type; rather, it refers to the tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in aqueous solution.

Verify and Summarize

Since carbon can share its four valence electrons to form four covalent bonds with other atoms, the correct choice is covalent.

Final Answer

Carbon can form covalent bonds with four other atoms.