Question

the dots in each diagram represent valence electrons orbiting the nucleus of an atom. which diagram shows the valence - electron pattern for a carbon atom? o a o b o c o d

Explanation:

Step1: Recall carbon's atomic number

Carbon has atomic number 6. Its electron - configuration is 1s²2s²2p². The number of valence electrons is 4 (from the 2s and 2p orbitals in the outermost shell).

Step2: Analyze each diagram

We need to find the diagram with 4 dots representing valence electrons.

• Diagram A has 4 dots.
• Diagram B has 3 dots.
• Diagram C has 1 dot.
• Diagram D has 8 dots.

Answer:

A.