How do you calculate the number of valence electrons in a molecule?
1 Answer
To calculate the number of valence electrons in a molecule you would observe the periodic table to show you the valence of each element in the molecule to calculate the overall number.
Explanation:
An example of a molecule for which you may need to find the number of valence electrons may be CO (carbon monoxide).
Looking at the periodic table, you will find C is in
Looking at the periodic table, you will find O is in
So the total number of valence electrons in the CO molecule is
This video describes valence electron numbers in molecules:
This video describes valence electron numbers in elements:
More complicated molecules will need analysis using the Lewis dot structure, which is introduced here: