In a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2), the total number of valence electrons is 16. Here’s how this is calculated:
1. Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons.
2. Each oxygen (O) atom has 6 valence electrons.
3. Since there are two oxygen atoms in CO2, the total number of valence electrons from oxygen is 6 x 2 = 12.
4. Adding the valence electrons from carbon and oxygen gives 4 + 12 = 16 valence electrons in total.
This calculation is essential for understanding the bonding and structure of the CO2 molecule.