Why is Carbon called Tetravalent?

Last updated at April 16, 2024 by

Why is Carbon called Tetravalent?

 

Answer:

  • The word 'Tetra' means 4
  • The word 'Valent' means Valency
  • The electronic configuration of C is 2,4.
  • 4 electrons are present in the outermost shell.
  • Therefore, it can either lose 4 electrons or gain 4 electrons.
  • Hence 4 is the Valency .
  • That's why we call it tetravalent.

Since Carbon has valency of 4, it is called Tetravalent

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CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo