Question

Very confused on determining the valence electrons of a specific atom in a molecule..

Specifically, for P and O in PO43-, why are the valence electrons for P = 10 but the valence electrons of O = 8? The most common explanation I have found is that P  makes 5 bonds to the 4 Os (1 pi and 3 sigma bonds) and these electrons are shared so when which added to P's valence electrons of 5 this makes the total valence electrons 10 (this makes sense to me). However, when calculating the valence electrons of O in PO43- why isn't the same strategy followed? Shouldn't it be 7 valence electrons since O already has 6 electrons so when a single bond to P is taken into consideration it brings the value up to 7? What am I missing? help pls :(

Answer 1

Negative) Neque charge means ge- Each bond means De which is counted in orbitals of both atoms All o atoms have 8 é in valence shell [70] [#] And P has loé in valence shell [5x21 - Bonds of