How many total valence electrons are used in drawing the Lewis structure of carbon tetrafluoride (CF_4)?

• A. 24
• B. 8
• C. 16
• D. 32

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the valence electrons for each atom involved. Carbon (C) is in group 14, so it has 4 valence electrons. Fluorine (F) is in group 17, so each fluorine atom has 7 valence electrons.
2. Determine the total number of valence electrons contributed by all atoms. Since there is 1 carbon atom and 4 fluorine atoms, calculate the total as: \$4 + 4 \times 7$.
3. Add the valence electrons from carbon and fluorine atoms to get the total number of valence electrons available for the Lewis structure.
4. Remember that in the Lewis structure, these valence electrons are used to form bonds and to complete the octets of the atoms involved.
5. Use this total number of valence electrons to draw the Lewis structure, ensuring that carbon forms four single bonds with each fluorine atom, and the remaining electrons complete the octets on fluorine atoms.