How many valence electrons are present in a neutral atom of fluorine?

• A. 1
• B. 5
• C. 8
• D. 7

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is fluorine (F).
2. Determine the atomic number of fluorine, which is 9, meaning it has 9 electrons in a neutral atom.
3. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
4. Write the electron configuration of fluorine: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^5$.
5. Count the electrons in the outermost shell (the second shell), which includes the \$2s^2\( and \)2p^5$ electrons, totaling 7 valence electrons.