How do you calculate the number of valence electrons in a molecule?

1 Answer
EET-AP · Nathan L.
Aug 4, 2017

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 #"group"# #4# and so has #4# valence electrons.

Looking at the periodic table, you will find O is in #"group"# #6# and so has #6# valence electrons.

So the total number of valence electrons in the CO molecule is #4+6=10#.

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:

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