How Many Electrons are Unpaired in the Orbitals of Carbon?

Answer: There are two unpaired electrons in the orbitals of carbon.

Explanation: Carbon (C), with an atomic number of 6, has an electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p².

The p-subshell has three orbitals. The orbitals are p_x, p_y, and p_z and each orbital can have a maximum of two electrons.

In the carbon ground-state electron configuration, the two electrons of the 2p orbital are located in the p_x, and p_y orbitals, and the spin of these two electrons is the same.

So there are two unpaired electrons in the carbon atom.

Read: Electron Configuration for Carbon (C, C4−): Full Guide

Read: Orbital Diagram for Carbon

Significance: The presence of unpaired electrons in the orbitals of carbon contributes to its reactivity and its ability to form bonds with other atoms, enabling the formation of various compounds and molecules.