In hydrocarbons, carbon is tetravalent and hydrogen is

Options

A. divalent
B. trivalent
C. monovalent
D. tetravalent

Answer

To answer the question "In hydrocarbons, carbon is tetravalent and hydrogen is...", we will analyze the valency of carbon and hydrogen in hydrocarbons.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Valency**:
- Valency refers to the ability of an atom to bond with other atoms, determined by the number of electrons in its outer shell.

2. **Valency of Carbon**:
- Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell. To achieve a stable electron configuration (octet), it needs to form four bonds with other atoms. Therefore, carbon is said to be **tetravalent** (valency of 4).

3. **Valency of Hydrogen**:
- Hydrogen has one electron in its outer shell. To achieve stability, it needs one more electron to fill its shell. Thus, hydrogen can form only one bond with other atoms. Therefore, hydrogen is said to be **monovalent** (valency of 1).

4. **Conclusion**:
- In hydrocarbons, while carbon is tetravalent, hydrogen is monovalent.

### Final Answer:
In hydrocarbons, carbon is tetravalent and hydrogen is monovalent.

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