Question

how many valence electrons are contributed by the oxygen atoms in ch₂o? 2 4 6 12

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the valence electrons of one oxygen atom

Oxygen is in group 16 of the periodic table. The number of valence electrons of an element in group \(n\) (where \(n\geq 10\)) is \(n - 10\). For oxygen (\(n = 16\)), the number of valence electrons is \(16- 10=6\).

Step2: Count the number of oxygen atoms in \(CH_{2}O\)

In the formula \(CH_{2}O\), the sub - script of \(O\) is \(1\), which means there is \(1\) oxygen atom.

Answer:

\(6\) (the third option)