Why carbon forms a covalent bond?

Answer 1

Carbon is in the middle of its period.

To its left, the elements tends to ionise; loose electrons. m = m^(+) + e^(-)

To its right the elements have electron affinity, and gain electrons. X + e^(-) = X^(-) .

As carbon 'sits' in ther middle it does not exhibit these tendencies.. So its electrons are shred, form covalent bonds.

Carbon has the unique ability to CATENATE, that is form chains with other carbon atoms covalently.

Answer 2

carbon has 4 electrons in valence shell. In order to form ionic compound, carbon should either gain four electrons or lose four electrons; both of which required high energy and is not easy.

so carbon will share its electrons by forming covalent bond and gain stability.

Answer 3

Carbon forms covalent bonds because it has four valence electrons, allowing it to share electrons with other atoms to achieve a full outer shell of eight electrons. Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons to attain a more stable electron configuration. In the case of carbon, sharing electrons through covalent bonding helps it achieve a stable configuration similar to that of noble gases.