How many valence electrons does each carbon atom have?

• A. 8
• B. 4
• C. 6
• D. 2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are available for bonding.
2. Identify the atomic number of carbon, which is 6, meaning it has 6 electrons in total.
3. Determine the electron configuration of carbon: 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^2.
4. Recognize that the valence shell for carbon is the second shell (n=2), which contains the 2s and 2p electrons.
5. Count the electrons in the valence shell: 2 electrons in 2s and 2 electrons in 2p, totaling 4 valence electrons.