Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the total number of outer (valence) electrons in carbon dioxide, CO^2?
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Answer

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Step 1:
: Identify the number of atoms in the molecule

The chemical formula for carbon dioxide is CO^2, which consists of one carbon atom (C) and two oxygen atoms (O).

Step 2:
: Recall the number of valence electrons for each atom

Carbon is in the 14th group of the periodic table and has 4 valence electrons. Oxygen is in the 16th group and has 6 valence electrons.

Step 3:
: Determine the total number of valence electrons in the molecule

To find the total number of valence electrons in CO^2, we simply add up the valence electrons from each atom: Total valence electrons = Valence electrons from C + Valence electrons from O^1 + Valence electrons from O^2 Total valence electrons = 4 + 6 + 6

Step 4:
: Calculate the total number of valence electrons

Total valence electrons = 4 + 6 + 6 Total valence electrons = 16

Final Answer

The total number of outer (valence) electrons in carbon dioxide, CO^2, is 16.