Question

Write any two characteristics of carbon?

Answer 1

Hint: carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe and $15^{th}$ most abundant element on earth having atomic number 6 and electronic configuration $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{2}$. Carbon belongs to group 14 elements.

Complete step by step answer:
The two characteristics of carbon are as follows:
-Catenation: Catenation is binding of an element to itself through covalent bonds to form chair or ring molecules example carbon is the most common element to show this property. Carbon has a unique nature in that it is capable of showing catenation and forms millions of compounds. Carbon shows the property of catenation to the maximum extent. Due to this property, carbon can form long straight chains. Carbon can form a single, double and triple covalent bond with other carbon atoms.

-Tetravalency: As carbon has atomic number 6, more simply its configuration is written as 2, 4. It means it has four electrons in the outermost shell. Carbon follows the octet rule and forms four covalent bonds with another atom to get a stable electronic configuration. Thus, carbon is tetravalent and can form 4 covalent bonds not only with another atom but with other carbon also. This is called the tetravalency of a carbon atom.

Note:
Some other characteristics of carbon are:
-Carbon is a non-metallic element with the chemical symbol C. It belongs to the group 14 elements. The oxidation state of carbon varies from -4 to +4. +4 oxidation state exists in compounds methane and carbon disulphide.
-The physical properties of different allotropes of carbon makes them useful in batteries and other electronic devices.