Question

Consider the element carbon. How many electrons can be found in a carbon atom? How many are valence electrons?

Answer 1

A carbon atom has a total of 6 electrons. In its electron configuration, there are 2 electrons in the first energy level (shell) and 4 electrons in the second energy level. The electrons in the outermost shell (the valence shell) are the valence electrons, which in the case of carbon are the 4 electrons in the second energy level. Therefore, a carbon atom has 6 total electrons and 4 valence electrons.