Question

which statement best explains why carbon bonds to four hydrogen atoms to form methane but to only two oxygen atoms to form carbon dioxide? (1 point)
hydrogen shares electrons with carbon, but oxygen transfers its electrons.
the carbon in methane has more valence electrons to share than the carbon in carbon dioxide.
the carbon in carbon dioxide is stable, with fewer valence electrons than the carbon in methane.
hydrogen shares one valence electron with carbon, and oxygen shares two valence electrons.

Explanation:

Carbon has 4 valence electrons. Hydrogen has 1 valence electron and forms a single - covalent bond by sharing 1 electron with carbon. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons and forms a double - covalent bond by sharing 2 electrons with carbon. So carbon bonds with 4 hydrogens (single bonds) and 2 oxygens (double bonds).

Answer:

Hydrogen shares one valence electron with carbon, and oxygen shares two valence electrons.