The more bonds an atom can make, the more likely it is to combine with other atoms in different ways. which element is most likely able to make the greatest variety of bonds?

Ionic and covalent bonds are two of the strongest forms of chemical bonds.

Covalent bonds occur when the electrons shared between the two atoms are nearly equal.

On the other hand, ionic bond forms when one atom exerts considerable force over the electron of one atom, while the other strives to give its electron.

The number of bonds that an element can form depends on the number of electrons in its valence shell. These electrons also determine the ion formation.

Every carbon atom has a total of 6 electrons, which have two completed inner orbit and four valence electrons, which are available to form bonds with other atoms.

Based on this, carbon is the only element that can form so many compounds, since each carbon atom can form four chemical bonds to other atoms, which can also form long carbon-to-carbon chains.