1. Valence Electrons per Element:
* Carbon (C): 4 valence electrons
* Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons
2. Total Valence Electrons:
* Carbon: 3 C atoms * 4 valence electrons/C atom = 12 valence electrons
* Oxygen: 2 O atoms * 6 valence electrons/O atom = 12 valence electrons
3. Total: 12 (C) + 12 (O) = 24 valence electrons
Therefore, C3O2 has 24 valence electrons.