Carbon atoms are capable of forming unlimited number of compounds.

Ans.

1. The carbon atom has 4 electrons in the valence shell. Carbon can share these 4 electrons with various elements, like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, halogens, sulphur, phosphorus, etc.
2. Carbon has the property of catenation. Two or more carbon atoms can share some of their valence electrons and form chains and rings of all sizes.
3. The straight chains or branched chains or rings may have different shapes and sizes.
4. Hence, carbon is capable of forming an unlimited number of compounds.