How many valence electrons should be used to draw a Lewis structure of methane CH4

8 valence electrons

Explanation:

There are 4 valence electrons in carbon because it is in group 4A of the periodic table. There is 1 valence electron per hydrogen based on its position on the periodic table, but CH4 has 4 hydrogens in it. So 1 times 4 is 4. Add the 4 valence electrons from carbon with the 4 electrons from H4 to get 8.