An atom of carbon typically forms four covalent bonds with other atoms. This occurs because carbon has four electrons in its outer shell and needs to share electrons with other atoms to achieve a stable octet configuration, resulting in a total of four covalent bonds. These bonds can be single, double, or triple bonds, but the total number of covalent bonds carbon forms is generally four to satisfy its valence requirements.

Explanation

• Carbon has 4 valence electrons in its outer shell, and it needs 4 more electrons to fill this shell, leading it to form four covalent bonds by sharing electrons with other atoms.
• This tetravalency enables carbon to form a vast variety of molecules, including long chains, branched structures, and rings, which is essential for the complexity of organic chemistry and life.
• Carbon can form single, double, and triple bonds, but the sum of bonding pairs around a carbon atom usually totals four.
• An example is methane (CH4), where carbon forms four single covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms, achieving a stable electronic configuration.

This property of carbon to form four covalent bonds is fundamental to its role in chemistry and biology.