Ethane having molecular formula C₂H₆ has

7 covalent bonds  

The correct answer is option 2. 7 covalent bonds.

Ethane has 7 covalent bonds.

The molecular formula C₂H₆ tells us there are two carbon atoms (C₂) and six hydrogen atoms (H₆) in an ethane molecule.

Carbon atoms typically form four covalent bonds to achieve a stable outer shell configuration.

In ethane, each carbon forms single covalent bonds with three hydrogen atoms.

Additionally, the two carbon atoms form a single covalent bond between themselves.

Therefore, the total number of covalent bonds in ethane is:

6 C-H bonds (3 bonds per carbon atom x 2 carbon atoms)

1 C-C bond

Adding them up, we get 6 C-H bonds + 1 C-C bond = 7 covalent bonds.