A carbon atom, with an atomic number of six, typically forms how many covalent bonds in order to satisfy the octet rule?

1. Carbon has four electrons in its outermost shell and needs four more to reach a stable octet of eight valence electrons. 2. The text explains, using methane as the example: carbon is able "to form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to satisfy the octet rule. The methane molecule provides an example." 3. Forming exactly four bonds (as in methane, CH4) fills carbon's valence shell to eight electrons total, satisfying the octet rule. 4. So a carbon atom typically forms four covalent bonds, not two, three, or six. _Source: OpenStax Biology Ch 2 "The Chemical Foundation of Life", p.55 §2.3 | Carbon_