Why do skeletal formulae not show the hydrogens bonded to carbons but do on other elements?

Because carbon atoms have 4 electrons in their outer shell so always form 4 covalent bonds in a molecule, so the number of hydrogen atoms bonded can be inferred by subtracting however many bonds the carbon is shown to have from 4:number of hydrogens = 4 - other bonds on that carbonWhereas other elements, such as oxygen, are able to form different numbers of bonds depending on their surroundings so the number of hydrogens bonded cannot be assumed.

MA
Answered by Megan A. Chemistry tutor

2270 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is global dimming and why does it occur?


Why does increasing the concentration of a reactant increase the rate of reaction?


Balance the equation C4H10 + O2 → CO2 + H2O


Explain how crude oil is separated into fractions (6 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning