QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
The atomic number of carbon is 6. How many electrons does it contain in its outer valence shell?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Understand the Atomic Structure of Carbon
Carbon is an element with an atomic number of 6, which means it has 6 protons in its nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
Step 3:: Determine Electron Configuration
The electron configuration of carbon is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{2}
Step 4:: Count Valence Electrons
- Electrons in the 2p orbital: $$2p^{2}$$ (2 electrons)
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. For carbon:
Step 5:: Calculate Total Valence Electrons
Total valence electrons = $$2 + 2 = 4$$ electrons
Final Answer
Carbon contains 4 electrons in its outer valence shell.
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