Methane (CH₄)
* Carbon (C): Has 4 valence electrons (electrons in its outermost shell).
* Hydrogen (H): Has 1 valence electron.
To achieve a stable octet (8 electrons in its outer shell), carbon needs to share 4 electrons. Each hydrogen atom needs to share 1 electron.
* Carbon shares 1 electron with each of the 4 hydrogen atoms.
* Total shared electrons: 4
Water (H₂O)
* Oxygen (O): Has 6 valence electrons.
* Hydrogen (H): Has 1 valence electron.
Oxygen needs to gain 2 electrons to achieve a stable octet. Each hydrogen needs to share 1 electron.
* Oxygen shares 1 electron with each of the 2 hydrogen atoms.
* Total shared electrons: 2
In summary:
* Methane (CH₄): Shares 4 electrons.
* Water (H₂O): Shares 2 electrons.
