When looking at other planets for different life forms, scientists frequently look for a few key molecules that we depend on like water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). Because we are carbon-based life forms, they also look for carbon (C). Some scientists argue that we might not find life that is exactly like us on other planets and suggest looking for another element that is still similar to C. Which element below do you think this is? *

C im just starting to learn this

Explanation:

substituting a hydrogen atom with a halogen in a hydrocarbon:

- the single bond remains single. a is wrong.

- the bond with hydrogen is as strong as with a halogen. c is wrong

- a hydrocarbon is saturated if there is no double bond. we do not know that so d is wrong.

- carbon will always have four valence electrons. e is wrong.

by elimination, the correct answer is b. the boiling point of the new compound increases.