Question

Why is carbon is considered tetravalent?

Answer 1

In chemistry, we talk about the "Octet Rule."

The Octet Rule says that atoms tend to bond with other atoms,
so that they have 8 electrons, in their outer shells.

For example,

sodium (Na) has ONE electron in its outer shell.
Chlorine has SEVEN electrons in its outer shell.

7 + 1 = 8.

So, when sodium and chlorine combine,
we get sodium chloride (NaCl),
which is just table salt.

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Carbon has FOUR electrons, in its outer shell.

The word "tetravalent" comes from the root word "tetra,"
which means "four."

Since carbon already has FOUR electrons in its outer shell,
it needs FOUR MORE electrons, to fill up its outer shell, to eight.

One example of this is methane (CH4).

In CH4,
we see ONE carbon atom bonded with FOUR hydrogen atoms.

HYDROGEN has ONE electron in its outer shell.

CARBON has FOUR.

So, if we take one CARBON, and four HYDROGEN atoms,
we get 8 outer shell electrons, all together.

You see?

Answer 2

Yes, Thank you for your help!

Answer 3

no problem.