The Living World 8th Edition by George Johnson

تمرين 8

Carbon has four electrons in its outer electron shell, and thus
A) has a completely filled outer electron shell.
B) can form four single covalent bonds.
C) does not react with any other atom.
D) has a positive charge.
Hydrogen atoms (one valence electron) form a diatomic gas, H₂. Oxygen atoms (two valence electrons) form a diatomic gas, O₂. Nitrogen atoms (three valence electrons) form a diatomic gas, N₂. Carbon atoms (four valence electrons) do NOT form a diatomic gas, C 2. Why not?
Explain why it is possible for a bacterium to break the triple covalent bond of N₂ gas, whereas you and other animals cannot.