A carbon atom is able to form four single covalent bonds because it

has four electrons and four protons.

has four valence electrons in its outermost energy level.

forms a polyatomic ion with a -4 charge.

forms a more stable isotope when it gains four more electrons.

Question

A carbon atom is able to form four single covalent bonds because it

 has four electrons and four protons.

 has four valence electrons in its outermost energy level.

 forms a polyatomic ion with a -4 charge.

 forms a more stable isotope when it gains four more electrons.

joannablackwelder · Answer

Carbon does not have 4 protons, it has 12. So the first option is out.

joannablackwelder · Answer

The question asks about covalent bonds, not ionic. So we aren't concerned with how it turns into an ion. So the third option is out.

joannablackwelder · Answer

Can you narrow it down any farther? @ashkibum?

sweetburger · Answer

$$1s^2 2s^2 2p^2$$ carbons electrons

joannablackwelder · Answer

My fault. Carbon has 6 protons, not 4.