Carbon is tetravalent because
- The electrons in both the 2s and 2p orbitals are equivalent
- The electrons in all the orbitals of carbon are equivalent
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The 2s and 2p atomic orbitals hybridize
- All the atomic orbitals of carbon hybridize
The correct answer is: C
Explanation
Carbon is tetravalent because its 2s and 2p atomic orbitals hybridize to form four sp³ hybrid orbitals. Carbon has four valence electrons, so it can form a maximum of four bonds. When a carbon atom's 2s and 2p orbitals hybridize, they form four equivalent sp³ hybrid orbitals. Each sp³ orbital can form a sigma bond, resulting in a tetrahedral geometry.