Question

how many electrons remain after step 3 in so₂? subtract the used electrons. 18 v.e. 16 v.e. 12 v.e. 20 v.e. 14 v.e.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate total valence electrons

Sulfur (\(S\)) has \(6\) valence electrons, and each oxygen (\(O\)) has \(6\) valence electrons. For \(SO_{2}\), the total valence electrons \(=6 + 2\times6=18\)

Step2: Calculate used electrons in step 3 (assuming step 3 forms two single bonds)

Each single bond uses \(2\) electrons. If we assume two single bonds (\(S - O\) bonds) are formed in step 3, the number of used electrons \(=2\times2 = 4\)

Step3: Calculate remaining electrons

Remaining electrons \(=18- 4=14\)

Answer:

14 v.e.