An atom of carbon (C) has an electron configuration of 2.4. Identify how many valence electrons that it has.

1. Break Down the Problem

To determine the number of valence electrons in carbon, we need to consider its electron configuration, which is given as 2.4. The configuration indicates that there are 2 electrons in the first energy level (shell) and 4 electrons in the second energy level.

2. Relevant Concepts

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding. For carbon:

• The first shell has a maximum capacity of 2 electrons (which it has).
• The second shell can hold up to 8 electrons, and in this case, it holds 4 electrons.

3. Analysis and Detail

• The outermost shell for carbon is the second shell.
• According to the electron configuration (2.4), the second shell has 4 electrons.
• Hence, these 4 electrons are the valence electrons of the carbon atom.

4. Verify and Summarize

Valence electrons can be verified based on group placement in the periodic table. Carbon is in Group 14 (or 4A), which confirms it has 4 valence electrons.

Final Answer

Carbon has 4 valence electrons.