Question

why can a carbon atom can form a variety of compounds?
o it has 2 valence electrons that allows it to bond with up to 6 other atoms.
o it has 6 valence electrons that allows it to bond with up to 6 other atoms.
o it has 4 valence electrons that allows it to bond with up to 4 other atoms.
o it has 12 valence electrons that allows it to bond with up to 4 other atoms.

Explanation:

Carbon has an atomic number of 6. Its electron - configuration is 1s²2s²2p², with 4 valence electrons in the outermost shell (2s²2p²). These 4 valence electrons allow it to form up to 4 covalent bonds with other atoms, enabling the formation of a wide variety of compounds.

Answer:

It has 4 valence electrons that allows it to bond with up to 4 other atoms.