Carbon’s 4-Valence Electrons

Bohr model of carbon atom

Bohr model of a carbon atom

Bohr Model Shows Carbon’s Valency

Carbon has 6 electrons: 2 in the first shell and 4 valence electrons in the second.

With 4 vacancies, carbon shares these electrons to achieve a stable octet—this is its tetravalency.

Key Points:

  • First shell full (2e⁻); no bonding needed there.
  • Four valence electrons mean four empty spots.
  • Sharing these electrons forms covalent bonds.

Covalent Bond: The Sharing Deal

Covalent Bond

A covalent bond is a link formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, giving both stable outer shells.

Form Methane Yourself

Drag each H onto a free orbital around carbon. When four single bonds form, you will model methane \(CH_4\).

Draggable Items

H
H
H
H

Drop Zones

Spot 1

Spot 2

Spot 3

Spot 4

Tip:

Place H atoms evenly; carbon needs four single bonds to complete its octet.

Single, Double, Triple Bonds

Single Bond

1 shared electron pair joins atoms.
Example : \(CH_4\)
Longest & weakest covalent bond.

Double & Triple Bonds

Double : 2 pairs shared, example \(C_2H_4\).
Triple : 3 pairs shared, example \(C_2H_2\).
More shared pairs ⇒ shorter, stronger bond.

Key Similarities

All are covalent – electrons are shared, not transferred.
Each bond helps atoms reach an octet configuration.
Widely found in carbon compounds, enabling molecular diversity.

Multiple Choice Question

Question

Which molecule contains a double covalent bond?

1
CH₄
2
C₂H₄
3
C₂H₂

Hint:

Count the bonds between the two carbon atoms—two lines mean a double bond.

Key Takeaways

Recap: Carbon has four valence electrons and shares them.

Covalent bonds fill outer shells; no charge transfer occurs.

Carbon forms single, double, and triple bonds, creating diverse compounds.

Electron-dot and structural formulas reveal how atoms share pairs.

Thank You!

We hope you found this lesson informative and engaging.