Question

The valency of carbon is four. On what principle can it be explained in a better way?
(A) Resonance
(B) Hybridization
(C) Electron transfer
(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: When the bonding between two polyatomic ions or certain molecules cannot be described by a single Lewis formula, resonance is a way to describe the delocalized electrons inside those molecules or ions. Hybridization is the idea of combining the two atomic orbitals to form a new type of hybridised orbital. When an electron moves from one atom or molecule to another one of these chemical entities, this process is known as electron transfer.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
The atomic number of carbon is 6. When carbon is present in a ground state, its electronic configuration is$1{{s}^{2}}2{{s}^{2}}2{{p}^{2}}$. That is, it has only two unpaired electrons in its ground state. However, in an excited state, the $2s$ and $2p$orbitals combine to form a hybridised orbital.

The electronic configuration now becomes$1{{s}^{2}}2{{s}^{1}}2{{p}^{3}}$. This means it now has four unpaired electrons. Hence, the valency of carbon is four.
Therefore, on the basis of hybridization, it can be explained that the valency of carbon is four.
Correct Option: (B) Hybridization.

Note: The number of atoms with which an atom can form a bond is known as its valency. As the valency of carbon is four, one atom of carbon can form a maximum of four bonds with other atoms. Carbon requires four more electrons to complete its octet and attain the stable noble gas configuration.