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Multiple Choice
What is the total number of outer (valence) electrons present in a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO_2)?
A
16
B
8
C
18
D
12
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 using their group number in the periodic table: carbon is in group 14, so it has 4 valence electrons; oxygen is in group 16, so each oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons.
Calculate the total valence electrons contributed by all atoms: multiply the number of oxygen atoms by their valence electrons and add the valence electrons from carbon, i.e., total valence electrons = (1 \times 4) + (2 \times 6).
Sum the values to find the total number of valence electrons in the CO\_2 molecule.
Use this total to understand bonding and electron distribution in the molecule.