Question

how many single covalent bonds does each element generally form? enter your answers as numerals; for example, 7. carbon: hydrogen:

Explanation:

Step1: Determine carbon's covalent bonds

Carbon has 4 valence electrons. To achieve a stable octet (or duet for some, but carbon follows octet), it needs 4 more electrons. So it forms 4 single covalent bonds (sharing 4 electrons, one per bond).

Step2: Determine hydrogen's covalent bonds

Hydrogen has 1 valence electron. To achieve a stable duet, it needs 1 more electron. So it forms 1 single covalent bond (sharing 1 electron).

Answer:

carbon: 4
hydrogen: 1