Number of Covalent Bonds in Pentane (C5H12)

To determine the number of covalent bonds in pentane (C5H12), we need to analyze the molecular formula and the valence electrons of the atoms involved.

The Molecular Formula of Pentane
The molecular formula of pentane is C5H12, which means it consists of 5 carbon (C) atoms and 12 hydrogen (H) atoms.

Valence Electrons in Carbon and Hydrogen
Carbon is in Group 14 of the periodic table, so it has 4 valence electrons. Hydrogen is in Group 1, so it has 1 valence electron.

Formation of Covalent Bonds
In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Carbon typically forms 4 covalent bonds by sharing its 4 valence electrons, while hydrogen forms 1 covalent bond by sharing its single valence electron.

Calculating the Number of Covalent Bonds
To determine the number of covalent bonds in pentane, we need to consider how many valence electrons are available for bonding.

- Carbon: There are 5 carbon atoms in pentane, and each carbon atom can form 4 covalent bonds. So, the total number of covalent bonds involving carbon is 5 × 4 = 20.

- Hydrogen: There are 12 hydrogen atoms in pentane, and each hydrogen atom can form 1 covalent bond. Hence, the total number of covalent bonds involving hydrogen is 12 × 1 = 12.

Total Number of Covalent Bonds
To find the total number of covalent bonds in pentane, we sum up the bonds involving carbon and hydrogen.

Total number of covalent bonds = Number of covalent bonds involving carbon + Number of covalent bonds involving hydrogen
Total number of covalent bonds = 20 + 12 = 32

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) 32 covalent bonds in pentane (C5H12).

Summary:
Pentane (C5H12) consists of 5 carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms. Carbon typically forms 4 covalent bonds, while hydrogen forms 1 covalent bond. By calculating the number of covalent bonds involving carbon and hydrogen and summing them up, we determine that pentane has a total of 32 covalent bonds.

Opt (c)