To determine the total number of valence electrons that the central atom has, we need to consider its valence electrons and any bonds it forms with other atoms.
- Lone Pair: The central atom has 2 valence electrons in a lone pair.
- Single Bonds: It also forms 2 single bonds with other atoms. Each single bond consists of 2 electrons. Therefore, 2 single bonds contribute 2 x 2 = 4 electrons.
Now, we can sum these up:
- Electrons in the lone pair: 2
- Electrons in the single bonds: 4
Total valence electrons = Electrons in the lone pair + Electrons in the single bonds = 2 + 4 = 6 electrons.
However, you are asked how many valence electrons the central atom itself has, which is specifically the electrons in the lone pair (2) plus the electrons used for bonding (2) but without counting the bonds twice. So the total recognition of the actual valence count is:
The central atom itself typically starts with its original count, so:
- Valence electrons of the central atom: 2 (from the lone pair) + 2 (from forming bonds) = 4.
Then, You would say it has 4 valence electrons.
So the answer is 4.