What is the valency of carbon?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: A. Four

Explanation:
The valency of carbon is four. Valency refers to the ability of an atom to combine with other atoms by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons.

Key Points:

1. Electronic Configuration of Carbon:
• Atomic number of carbon = 6.
• Electronic configuration = 2, 4 (two electrons in the first shell and four in the second shell).
2. Octet Rule:
• To achieve a stable electronic configuration (full outer shell of 8 electrons), carbon needs 4 more electrons.
• Carbon achieves this by sharing 4 electrons with other atoms, forming 4 covalent bonds.
3. Tetravalency:
• Carbon is said to be tetravalent because it forms 4 bonds in its compounds.
• For example:
• Methane (CH₄): Carbon forms 4 bonds with 4 hydrogen atoms.