Counting Valence Electrons

Part of the Structure and Bonding section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 9 of 49.

Valence electrons are the outer electrons. Group 1, 2: 1, 2. Groups 13 to 18: 3 to 8.

Add them for every atom: H₂O has 6 + 1 + 1 = 8.

An ion: add 1 per minus charge, take 1 per plus charge. NH₄⁺: 5 + 4 − 1 = 8.

Challenge

Methanol, CH₃OH, is a fuel for racing cars. How many valence electrons does one molecule have?

Try it yourself

Lewis boardCount the valence electrons of CH₃OH

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Structure and Bonding

2Covalent Bonds

5Forces Between Molecules

8Practice Problems

3Shapes of Molecules

6Metals and Giant Structures