Question

highlight the electron shells and circle the valence electrons for carbon. how many does carbon have of each?
carbon atom

of energy shells

of valence electrons

neutron
proton
electron
6 protons
+ 6 neutrons
energy shell

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electron - shell rules

The first energy shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, and the second energy shell can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.

Step2: Analyze the carbon atom's electrons

Carbon has 6 electrons. The first shell (closest to the nucleus) has 2 electrons. The remaining electrons are in the second shell. So, \(6 - 2=4\) electrons are in the second (valence) shell.

Answer:

Carbon has 4 valence electrons.