1. Identify the atoms and their valence electrons:
* Carbon (C): 4 valence electrons
* Hydrogen (H): 1 valence electron
* Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons
2. Calculate the total valence electrons:
* 2 Carbon atoms * 4 valence electrons/atom = 8 valence electrons
* 6 Hydrogen atoms * 1 valence electron/atom = 6 valence electrons
* 1 Oxygen atom * 6 valence electrons/atom = 6 valence electrons
3. Add the valence electrons from all the atoms:
* 8 + 6 + 6 = 20 valence electrons
Therefore, ethanol (C2H5OH) has 20 valence electrons.