How many valence (outer-shell) electrons does the element carbon (C) have?

• A. 8
• B. 6
• C. 4
• D. 2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is carbon (C).
2. Recall that the number of valence electrons corresponds to the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom.
3. Determine the electron configuration of carbon: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^2$.
4. Recognize that the outermost shell for carbon is the second shell, which contains the \$2s\( and \)2p$ electrons.
5. Count the electrons in the outermost shell: \$2\( electrons in \)2s\( plus \)2\( electrons in \)2p\(, totaling \)4$ valence electrons.