Multiple Choice
In the context of chemical bonding, which electrons of an atom are typically involved in forming bonds with other atoms?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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What is the total number of valence electrons in a molecule of SO_2?
A
18
B
16
C
20
D
12
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the number of valence electrons for each atom in the molecule. Sulfur (S) is in group 16 of the periodic table, so it has 6 valence electrons. Oxygen (O) is also in group 16, so each oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons.
Determine the total number of valence electrons contributed by all atoms in the molecule. Since SO_2 has one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms, calculate the total as: $6 \times 1 + 6 \times 2$.
Add the valence electrons from sulfur and oxygen atoms to find the total number of valence electrons in the SO_2 molecule.
Remember that the total valence electrons include all bonding and nonbonding electrons in the molecule, which will be used later to draw the Lewis structure.
Verify your calculation by comparing the total valence electrons to the options given to ensure consistency.
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