Answer :
Here, we are required to determine which statement best describes why carbon bonds to four hydrogen atoms to form methane but to only two oxygen atoms to form Carbon dioxide.
- The statement which best explains the behaviour of Carbon as described above is; Hydrogen shares one valence electron with carbon, and oxygen shares two valence electrons.
Carbon, C which has atomic number, 6 and a valency of 4 is capable of bonding with 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 Oxygen atoms to form Methane and Carbon dioxide respectively.
- The reason for the situation above can be attributed to the +1 valency of Hydrogen and 2- Valency of oxygen respectively.
Therefore, 4 atoms of hydrogen are needed to completely bond with the 4 Valence electrons of Carbon (sp³ hybridization).
On the other hand, 2 Oxygen atoms with a 2- valency each bond with the Carbon atom to form Carbon dioxide, CO2.
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Answer: Hydrogen shares one valence electron with carbon, and oxygen shares two valence electrons.