Which of the following best represents and explains the formula for a compound made from carbon and hydrogen? CH4, because four electron pairs are shared between carbon and hydrogen. CH2, because two electron pairs are shared between carbon and hydrogen. CH4, because each hydrogen contributes four electrons to the bonds. CH2, because each carbon contributes two electrons to the bonds.

A compound is formed when two or more elements combine in definite proportions. In the given scenario we have carbon and hydrogen atoms.

The valence electron configuration of C = 2s²2p²

H = 1s¹

There are 4 valence electrons in carbon; one paired (2s) and two unpaired (2p). Promotion of a 2s electron to a 2p orbital leaves 4 unpaired electrons which can combine with 4 H atoms to form a stable compound: CH4

Ans: (a) CH4, because four electron pairs are shared between carbon and hydrogen.