Valence electrons are the electrons that reside in the outermost shell of an atom and play a significant role in chemical bonding. To determine the number of valence electrons in sodium (Na), carbon (C), and oxygen (O), we can look at their positions in the periodic table.
Sodium (Na): Sodium is in Group 1 of the periodic table. Elements in Group 1 have one valence electron. This means sodium has a total of 1 valence electron.
Carbon (C): Carbon is located in Group 14. The elements in this group have four valence electrons. Thus, carbon has 4 valence electrons.
Oxygen (O): Oxygen is found in Group 16. Elements in this group have six valence electrons. Therefore, oxygen has 6 valence electrons.
To summarize:
- Sodium (Na): 1 valence electron
- Carbon (C): 4 valence electrons
- Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons