Question

Assertion: Carbon is non-metal.
Reason: Carbon atoms can bond with each other.
(A) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation for assertion.
(B) Both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation for assertion.
(C) Assertion is correct but reason is incorrect.
(D) Both assertion and reason are incorrect.

Answer 1

In the above question, assertion and reason about carbon is given. We have to choose the most appropriate option. Carbon dioxide has 4 electrons in the valence shell and is found in p-block and it is malleable and ductile. It has a special property called catenation.

Complete answer:
In assertion, it is given that carbon is non-metal. This statement is correct as carbon shows the properties of non-metals which include it is malleable and ductile and it forms acidic oxides. It forms covalent bonds and it can be soft when present in the form of graphite.
In reason, it is given that carbon atoms can bond with each other. Since, carbon has 4 valence electrons in its outermost shell and hence, it shares the electron. It can even bond with other carbon atoms, which is known as catenation. Hence, reason is also true.
Since, not all the non-metals can bond with each other and hence, reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
So, we can conclude that both assertion and reason are correct but reason is not the correct explanation for assertion.
Hence, option (B) is the correct option.

Note:
Catenation refers to the linkage of atoms of the same elements into longer chains. It is mostly seen in carbon atoms, where it covalently bonds with other carbon atoms to form long chains and structure. This is the reason for the presence of a large number of organic compounds in nature.