Question

"Carbon prefers to share its valence electrons with other atoms of carbon or with atoms of other elements rather than gaining or losing the valence…

Accepted Answer

If carbon atom gains four electrons to form C ^4- anion, it would be difficult for its nucleus with six protons to hold on to ten electrons. If carbon atom loses four electrons to form C^4+ cation, it would require large amount of energy to remove four electrons leaving behind a carbon cation with six protons in its nucleus holding on to just two electrons. Alternative answer:- It is difficult for carbon atom to gain 4 electrons (C ^4- anion) or lose 4 electrons ( C^4+ cation) as it becomes unstable in terms of energy.

"Carbon prefers to share its valence electrons with other atoms of carbon or with atoms of other elements rather than gaining or losing the valence electrons in order to attain noble gas configuration." Give reasons to justify this statement.

Marking-scheme solution

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