Question

how many valence electrons are in the bicarbonate ion hco₃⁻?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence electrons of each atom

Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, and each Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. There are 3 O atoms. Also, the bicarbonate ion (\(HCO_3^-\)) has a charge of -1, which means it has 1 extra electron.

Step2: Calculate total valence electrons

Sum the valence electrons: \(1\) (H) \( + 4\) (C) \( + 3\times6\) (O) \( + 1\) (from -1 charge) \(= 1 + 4 + 18 + 1 = 24\).

Answer:

24