World of Chemistry
World of Chemistry
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780618562763
Author: Steven S. Zumdahl
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin College Div
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Chapter 20, Problem 1A
Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for carbon to be able to form number of different compounds is to be explained.

Concept introduction: The compounds are formed when 2 or more atoms combine in different ratios. The covalent bond formation takes place when two atoms share electrons.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1A

The reason is ability of carbon to bond strongly to itself and other nonmetals.

Explanation of Solution

Carbon atom has tendency to form long carbon chains in which C-C and C-H bonds are available. Our living systems are mainly composed of these large chains. C-C bond is very strong. Also, carbon can form bonds with nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur. Carbon atom has 4 valence electrons or it is tetravalent due to which it can form covalent bonds with 4 other atoms by sharing of electrons. These are the reasons why carbon is able to form many compounds.

Conclusion

Carbon can form a maximum of four bonds with other atoms.

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Chapter 20 Solutions

World of Chemistry

Ch. 20.2 - Prob. 3RQCh. 20.2 - Prob. 4RQCh. 20.2 - Prob. 5RQCh. 20.2 - Prob. 6RQCh. 20.3 - Prob. 1RQCh. 20.3 - Prob. 2RQCh. 20.3 - Prob. 3RQCh. 20.3 - Prob. 4RQCh. 20.3 - Prob. 5RQCh. 20.4 - Prob. 1RQCh. 20.4 - Prob. 2RQCh. 20.4 - Prob. 3RQCh. 20.4 - Prob. 4RQCh. 20.4 - Prob. 5RQCh. 20 - Prob. 1ACh. 20 - Prob. 2ACh. 20 - Prob. 3ACh. 20 - Prob. 4ACh. 20 - Prob. 5ACh. 20 - Prob. 6ACh. 20 - Prob. 7ACh. 20 - Prob. 8ACh. 20 - Prob. 9ACh. 20 - Prob. 10ACh. 20 - Prob. 11ACh. 20 - Prob. 12ACh. 20 - Prob. 13ACh. 20 - Prob. 14ACh. 20 - Prob. 15ACh. 20 - Prob. 16ACh. 20 - Prob. 17ACh. 20 - Prob. 18ACh. 20 - Prob. 19ACh. 20 - Prob. 20ACh. 20 - Prob. 21ACh. 20 - Prob. 22ACh. 20 - Prob. 23ACh. 20 - Prob. 24ACh. 20 - Prob. 25ACh. 20 - Prob. 26ACh. 20 - Prob. 27ACh. 20 - Prob. 28ACh. 20 - Prob. 29ACh. 20 - Prob. 30ACh. 20 - Prob. 31ACh. 20 - Prob. 32ACh. 20 - Prob. 33ACh. 20 - Prob. 34ACh. 20 - Prob. 35ACh. 20 - Prob. 36ACh. 20 - Prob. 37ACh. 20 - Prob. 38ACh. 20 - Prob. 39ACh. 20 - Prob. 40ACh. 20 - Prob. 41ACh. 20 - Prob. 42ACh. 20 - Prob. 43ACh. 20 - Prob. 44ACh. 20 - Prob. 45ACh. 20 - Prob. 46ACh. 20 - Prob. 47ACh. 20 - Prob. 48ACh. 20 - Prob. 49ACh. 20 - Prob. 50ACh. 20 - Prob. 51ACh. 20 - Prob. 52ACh. 20 - Prob. 53ACh. 20 - Prob. 54ACh. 20 - Prob. 55ACh. 20 - Prob. 56ACh. 20 - Prob. 57ACh. 20 - Prob. 58ACh. 20 - Prob. 59ACh. 20 - Prob. 60ACh. 20 - Prob. 61ACh. 20 - Prob. 62ACh. 20 - Prob. 63ACh. 20 - Prob. 64ACh. 20 - Prob. 65ACh. 20 - Prob. 66ACh. 20 - Prob. 67ACh. 20 - Prob. 68ACh. 20 - Prob. 1STPCh. 20 - Prob. 2STPCh. 20 - Prob. 3STPCh. 20 - Prob. 4STPCh. 20 - Prob. 5STPCh. 20 - Prob. 6STPCh. 20 - Prob. 7STPCh. 20 - Prob. 8STPCh. 20 - Prob. 9STP
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