Biochemistry : Essential Properties of Carbon

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Homeostasis And The Biological Environment

Carbon is __________.

Possible Answers:

trivalent

tetravalent

None of these answers

divalent

monovalent

Correct answer:

tetravalent

Explanation:

Since carbon has four valence electrons in its shell, it can form up to four bonds with different atoms to complete its valence shell with electrons.

Example Question #571 : Biochemistry

Which of the following is true about carbon?

Possible Answers:

All 6-member carbon rings are aromatic

Under normal conditions, carbon is regularly observed to form a diatomic molecule   with a quadruple bond

The allotropes of carbon are liquid at room temperature

The oxidation state of carbon in carbon monoxide is +2

Carbon is less electronegative than hydrogen

Correct answer:

The oxidation state of carbon in carbon monoxide is +2

Explanation:

The oxidation state of carbon in carbon monoxide is indeed . This is because oxygen contributes a  to the state, and the molecule's overall charge is neutral. Although diatomic carbon with a quadruple bond is theorized by some scientists possibly to exist, it is not regularly observed. The allotropes of carbon (such as graphite and diamond) are solids, not liquids, at room temperature. Hydrogen is less electronegative than carbon, and some 6-member carbon rings (such as cyclohexane) are not aromatic.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors