Carbon forms four covalent bonds by sharing its four valence electrons with four univalent atoms, e.g. hydrogen. After the formation of four bonds, carbon attains the electronic configuration of

After the formation of four bonds, carbon attains the electronic configuration of neon, the nearest noble gas or inert gas.

Electronic configuration of carbon (C) = 2, 4. When it reacts with hydrogen, it forms methane (CH₄). Carbon forms four covalent bonds by sharing its four valence electrons. Now, electronic configuration of C in CH₄ = 2, 8. Therefore, after the formation of four bonds, carbon attains the electronic configuration of neon with the atomic number 10.