How many valence electrons does hydrogen have?

• A. 1
• B. 0
• C. 2
• D. 8

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.
2. Identify the atomic number of hydrogen, which is 1, meaning it has 1 electron in total.
3. Recognize that hydrogen's only electron is in the first energy level (shell), which can hold up to 2 electrons.
4. Since hydrogen has only one electron and it is in the outermost shell, the number of valence electrons is 1.
5. Therefore, hydrogen has 1 valence electron.