1. Valence Electrons of Individual Atoms
* Sulfur (S): Sulfur is in Group 16 (VIA) of the periodic table, so it has 6 valence electrons.
* Fluorine (F): Fluorine is in Group 17 (VIIA), so it has 7 valence electrons.
2. Total Valence Electrons from Atoms
* Sulfur contributes 6 electrons.
* Four fluorine atoms contribute 4 * 7 = 28 electrons.
3. Account for the Charge
* The 2- charge means there are two extra electrons.
4. Total Valence Electrons
* Total valence electrons = 6 + 28 + 2 = 36 electrons
Therefore, SF₄²⁻ has 36 valence electrons.
