Question: what is the total number of valence electrons present?
Answer: Determine the total number of valence electrons in the molecule or ion. Each hydrogen atom (group 1) has one valence electron, carbon (group 14) has 4 valence electrons, and oxygen (group 16) has 6 valence electrons, for a total of [(2)(1) + 4 + 6] = 12 valence electrons.