The electron-dot structure of carbon has how many dots?

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Multiple Choice

The electron-dot structure of carbon has how many dots?

Lewis dot structures represent only the valence electrons of an atom. The number of dots equals the number of valence electrons in the outer shell. Carbon is in group 14, so it has 4 valence electrons. In the Lewis diagram, you place one dot for each valence electron around the symbol, giving four dots total. Remember, carbon’s total electrons are 6, but the two inner electrons are not shown in this notation; only the outer, reactive electrons matter here. This is why the diagram shows four dots around carbon.

Lewis dot structures represent only the valence electrons of an atom. The number of dots equals the number of valence electrons in the outer shell. Carbon is in group 14, so it has 4 valence electrons. In the Lewis diagram, you place one dot for each valence electron around the symbol, giving four dots total. Remember, carbon’s total electrons are 6, but the two inner electrons are not shown in this notation; only the outer, reactive electrons matter here. This is why the diagram shows four dots around carbon.

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