Question

The number of valence electrons for carbon are:
(A) $2$
(B) $4$
(C) $6$
(D) $8$

Answer 1

Hint : As we know that the Valence electrons are those electrons which are basically found in the outer shell of an atom. So, to find the valence electrons of the compound we shall know the electronic configuration of the carbon and the octet rule.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Now as we have already discussed, first we will write down the electronic configuration of the carbon atom to know its valence electron.
Electronic configuration of carbon: C - $1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^2}$
Now, from above we can say that outer electrons are in the L-Shell and i.e. $4$ electrons $2{s^2}2{p^2}$ hence, it has outer shell electrons are $4$ therefore its valence electrons are $4$ .
Carbon has capacity to lose $4$ electrons or to gain $4$ electrons to attain the stability. Carbon can form four bonds with four different atoms to convert into molecules.
Option B is correct.

Additional Information:
Any atoms attain the stable octet when they are combined with the other atoms by chemical bond. The valence electrons of the atoms are the driving force for the forming the molecule from the atoms.
According to the octet rule atoms can combine either by sharing of valence electrons or by transfer of valence electrons from one atom to another atom.

Note :
It is noteworthy that taking into mind that electronic configuration of the atoms is a necessary term for the valence electrons of the atoms. By the full filling the complete octet atoms gain stability and minimize energy. It is also necessary to remember the shells to know the valence electrons i.e. K, L, M, N…