CBSE Class 10 Science 2019 · Paper 31/2/2 · Question 3(b)
List two properties of carbon which lead to the huge number of carbon compounds we see around us, giving reason for each.
Answer
Catenation (strong C-C bonds) and tetravalency (four bonds with carbon or other elements) give carbon its huge number of compounds.
(i) Catenation: carbon atoms can link with other carbon atoms by covalent bonds to form long chains, branched chains and rings. Reason: the carbon-carbon bond is very strong and stable (the carbon atom is small), so these chains are stable.
(ii) Tetravalency: carbon has a valency of four, so each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds. Reason: all four valencies can be satisfied by carbon atoms or by atoms of other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur and chlorine, so many different compounds are formed.
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