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Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons are present in a carbon dioxide (CO_2) molecule?
A
18
B
24
C
16
D
20
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the atoms present in the molecule CO_2: one carbon (C) atom and two oxygen (O) atoms.
Determine the number of valence electrons for each atom based on their group in the periodic table: carbon is in group 14 and has 4 valence electrons, oxygen is in group 16 and has 6 valence electrons.
Calculate the total valence electrons contributed by carbon: 1 carbon atom × 4 valence electrons = 4 valence electrons.
Calculate the total valence electrons contributed by oxygen: 2 oxygen atoms × 6 valence electrons = 12 valence electrons.
Add the valence electrons from carbon and oxygen to find the total valence electrons in CO_2: 4 + 12 = 16 valence electrons.